Departments » Planning & Building Department » ADU & JADU Information

ADUs/JADUs AND THEIR BENEFITS

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WHAT IS AN ADU?

Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU): a building or portion of a building designed for use and occupancy by people living independently of the occupants of the main residence and containing separate kitchen, bath, sleeping, and living facilities.

External ADU - Detached: ADU that is structurally detached from the main residence.

External ADU - Attached: ADU that is structurally attached to the main residence but which has independent, direct access from the exterior.

Internal ADU: ADU that is created by converting existing interior space (such as bedrooms, garages, basements, or attics)

WHAT IS A JADU?

Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit (JADU): ADU that is created by converting existing interior space (such as bedrooms, garages, basements, or attics), up to 500 sq ft. A JADU must have an efficiency kitchen and separate entrance, but can have a bathroom shared with the main residence. Either the JADU or the main building must be owner occupied.

 

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REASONS YOU MIGHT WANT TO HAVE AN ADU OR JADU ON YOUR PROPERTY

  • Create extra space to house adult children, aging parents, or caregivers
  • Facilitate aging in place
  • Generate extra income
  • Increase local housing supply while respecting the character of the Town

AFFORDABLE ADU RENTAL PROGRAM

The Town has an affordable ADU rental program that matches low-income tenants who have experienced displacement from areas outside of Portola Valley due to increasing rents with Portola Valley ADU owners willing to rent ADUs at below market rates. This program helps to address fair housing contributing factors relating to a lack of affordable housing. Please contact us if you have an ADU available for rent or may be eligible for this program.

HIP HOUSING HOME SHARING PROGRAM FOR ADUs 

You can also find more information about renting ADUs at the HIP Housing Home Sharing Program. The 

Home Sharing Program helps match individuals seeking housing with people who have a room or Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) to rent. 

Types of Home Sharing

  • A Home Provider is matched with a Home Seeker who pays rent
  • A Home Provider is matched with a Home Seeker who exchanges household duties for reduced rent

Home Sharing works because it’s

  • A practical solution to our housing challenges
  • Helpful to people from all walks of life to find or remain in homes
  • An efficient use of existing housing
  • Keeping San Mateo County residents and workers local 

Home Sharing Services and Benefits include:

  • Interviewing and screening applicants
  • Personal Housing Coordinator
  • Background search
  • Facilitation of Living Together Agreement
  • Referrals to community resources
  • Follow up support

How to Participate:

  • Home Seekers must live, work, or attend school in San Mateo County.
  • Home Providers must reside in San Mateo County.

If you have questions, or would like to make an appointment, click on the Inquiry Form button below or call us at 650-348-6660.