1. CalHFA ADU Grant Program (Statewide with LA Eligibility)
- Amount: Up to $40,000 per eligible applicant
- Purpose: Helps homeowners cover pre-development costs (like site surveys, architectural plans, permits, etc.) for building an ADU.
- Eligibility:
- Owner-occupied properties
- Income limits apply (varies by county; for LA, around $180,000 household income)
- Must use an approved lender and contractor
- Application Link: CalHFA ADU Grant
Note: The 2024-2025 round received increased funding and is active as of early 2025. Funds are disbursed on a first-come, first-served basis, so early application is advised.
2. LA County ADU Pilot Program
- Launched by: Los Angeles County Development Authority (LACDA)
- Support Offered:
- Free ADU feasibility studies
- Technical assistance from architects and project managers
- Permit navigation support
- Goal: Encourage ADU construction in unincorporated parts of LA County.
- Focus: Low-to-moderate income homeowners
- More Info: LACDA ADU Pilot Program
3. City of Los Angeles – LA ADU Accelerator Program
- Type: Incentive rather than grant
- Description: Matches homeowners with qualified low-income tenants (typically seniors) and provides:
- Rent subsidies to tenants
- Guaranteed rental income for homeowners
- Support with leasing and tenant selection
- Ideal For: Homeowners who already have or plan to build an ADU and are open to renting affordably
- More Info: LA ADU Accelerator
4. Local Nonprofit Assistance (e.g., LA Más & Habitat for Humanity)
Organizations like LA Más and Habitat LA often run community-specific ADU programs in historically underserved neighborhoods:
- Offer planning/design support
- Provide connections to funding sources or construction cost subsidies
- Target income-eligible homeowners
5. Low-Interest Loans and Financing Options
In addition to grants, several programs offer low-interest financing specifically for ADU construction:
- Self-Help Federal Credit Union ADU Loan Program
- PenFed Credit Union’s ADU Financing
- Ygrene & other PACE-based options (financing through property taxes)
Visual Summary: LA ADU Grant Opportunities in 2025
| Program Name | Type | Amount | Key Requirements | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CalHFA ADU Grant | Grant | Up to $40,000 | Owner-occupied, income limits, approved lender | CalHFA |
| LA County ADU Pilot | Assistance | Varies | County areas, technical support | LACDA |
| LA ADU Accelerator Program | Incentive | Rent support | Must rent to low-income tenants, mainly seniors | LA Accelerator |
| Habitat for Humanity / LA Más | Grant/Assist | Varies | Must qualify under nonprofit housing guidelines | Habitat LA |
Final Tips for Applying
- Act quickly: Grant programs like CalHFA are time-sensitive and funds can run out mid-year.
- Check zoning: Use LA’s ZIMAS tool to confirm if your property qualifies.
- Consult with local housing organizations for hands-on help with applications and construction planning.
