The purpose of this project is to provide educational and project planning materials to assist residents in developing ADUs on their property, make the process more accessible, and increase local housing stock. The project deliverables include a comprehensive ADU Guidebook, Development Checklist and FAQs, a breakdown of potential expenses and financing strategies, overview of standard permitting processes, a “Can I Build” tool, an investment calculator, examples of standard prefabricated constructions, and an informational website (https://motherlodeadu.org/). 

The California Department of Housing and Community Development authorized funding up to $125M under the Local Government Planning Support Grants Program to provide funds to regional jurisdictions for the development of planning programs to accelerate housing production.  The programs are to include strategies to ensure each local government is providing enough appropriately designated land to accommodate the Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA), which is the State’s recommended supply and mix of housing types, based on local needs.  Amador County was awarded $444,004.00 through the Regional Early Action Planning (REAP) Grant, with $37,500.00 allocated towards the Mother Lode Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Project.

 The Board of Supervisors approved Amador County’s participation in this project through the adoption of Resolution No. 21-007 in January, 2021.  The project has been headed by Mariposa County’s Housing Department, with Baird and Driskell Community Planning serving as the consultant to prepare the guidebooks, webpages, and other resources. 

Mother Lode ADU Resources:

Mother Lode ADU Website: https://motherlodeadu.org/

ADU Checklist -Amador (fillable)

Amador County Guidebook (draft ver. 9.11.23)

Amador ADU Process Graphic

ML ADU Slides (presented to the Board of Supervisors, September 26, 2023)

ML ADU Informational Brochure

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