News Release: The ADU Center Expands to Marin County

Posted on May 9, 2024


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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  May 9, 2024

 

The ADU Center expands to Marin County

 

San Rafael, CA – The ADU Center, formerly The Napa Sonoma ADU Center, is a leader in growing Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in the North Bay since 2020 and is thrilled to announce its expansion to Marin County. “Expanding our services to Marin County marks a milestone in our work,” said Scott Johnson, Director of The ADU Center. “We’re here to support Marin residents every step of the way, from dreaming about an ADU to turning those dreams into reality. Our team is excited to bring our expertise directly to you, ensuring your ADU journey is as smooth and successful as possible.”

This exciting new partnership aims to empower Marin residents with comprehensive support and resources to explore, design, and build ADUs on their property.  Mayor Kate Colin said, “I am thrilled to welcome The ADU Center to Marin County! This added support boosts the City’s ongoing efforts to increase affordable housing in our community. By equipping our residents with expert advice and resources for ADU development, we’re encouraging affordable living solutions and expanding housing choices. San Rafael is eager to see the positive impact this will have on our City.”

The ADU Center has been instrumental in helping guide homeowners through various stages of the ADU process, offering a range of services including:

  1. One on One Feasibility Consultations for Homeowners to provide a free one-hour consultation with homeowners who are hoping to build an ADU.
  2. Technical Assistance for Homeowners to answer questions about ADU development and best practices to homeowners via email and telephone.
  3. Recommended Vendors to find trusted ADU construction professionals easy with a registry that includes Finance, General Contractors, Prefab Builders, Architects, and Permit Assistance vendors.
  4. Off the Shelf and Pre-Approved ADU Plans to offer homeowners of Marin a suite of ‘off the shelf’ plans to reduce time and cost by streamlining the review and approval process.
  5. Coming Soon: Innovative Loan Options with Redwood Credit Union to develop a loan product that facilitates easier financing for homeowners looking to build an ADU.

The ADU Center’s program launched for residents in Marin County on April 1, 2024. Marin homeowners are eligible for one-on-one feasibility consultations and have access to informational webinars and a list of recommended vendors.  The ADU Center is working with local jurisdictions on developing a program to offer Marin homeowners a suite of pre-approved plans. It is anticipated that these plans will be available by summer.  In the meantime, residents in Marin County can access ADU-related information on the countywide website ADUMarin.org and questions can be sent directly to info@adumarin.org.

What Homeowners Have Said About the Napa Sonoma ADU Center

A recent survey indicates that 76% of report recipients are advancing with their ADU initiatives, contributing to a total of 375 ADUs in process. Additionally, 15% have completed their ADUs, amounting to 74 units built since the program’s inception.

Your support has been invaluable. You’ve provided information on the process, resources when we’ve reached out, your expert opinion and contacts when we’ve asked for them. We can’t thank you enough.” ~ Homeowner in Napa County

“You validated my understanding of the current ADU rules and helped me feel more secure in going forward, knowing that there is someone I can turn to if needed. I think your program is amazing.” ~ Homeowner in Napa

“The resources you provide are AWESOME and I think you’re doing great work.” ~ Homeowner in Santa Rosa

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About The ADU Center

In 2020, Napa Valley Community Foundation and Community Foundation Sonoma County came together to found the Napa Sonoma ADU Center. The Napa Sonoma ADU Center serves as a vital hub, accelerating ADU development across Napa and Sonoma Counties. With its recent expansion into Marin and Solano Counties, the newly rebranded ADU Center helps homeowners navigate the process of building an ADU, and work alongside city and county staff, funders, builders, and architects to help streamline ADU development. We offer a wealth of resources on our local-based websites napasonomaadu.org, adumarin.org, and the upcoming Solano ADU website, where homeowners can explore a comprehensive ADU Workbook, an intuitive ADU Calculator tool, and a gallery featuring a variety of standard plans to simplify the planning process. Contact us today to embark on your ADU project journey.

About Napa Valley Community Foundation

Napa Valley Community Foundation works side-by-side with local donors and nonprofits to tackle the most important challenges the Valley faces. Now celebrating 30 years of service to the community, the Foundation has distributed more than $100 million in grants to improve the quality of life for residents of the region, and currently serves as the philanthropic partner to thousands of individuals, families, nonprofit agencies, and corporations in Napa Valley and beyond. To learn more, visit napavalleycf.org.

Contact:  

Scott Johnson, Director, The ADU Center
707-804-8575
scott@aducenter.org

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