If you are considering building an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) in the East Bay, there is a homeowner incentive program worth knowing about: the Senate District 7 ADU Accelerator Program. Participating cities are offering ADU rebates to help offset project costs, with rebate amounts generally tied to ADU size and, in some cases, affordability (low-income) deed restrictions.

‍

The program applies across 15 cities in Contra Costa County and Alameda County: Antioch, Brentwood, Clayton, Concord, Danville, Dublin, Lafayette, Livermore, Moraga, Oakley, Orinda, Pittsburg, Pleasanton, San Ramon, and Walnut Creek.

Now is an excellent time to get started with our team about whether your ADU can meet the program’s rebate requirements, scheduled to wrap up in 2026.

‍

HOW MUCH CAN YOU RECEIVE?

There are two main rebate tiers, based on whether the ADU is deed-restricted for low-income occupancy:

‍

OPTION A: STANDARD ADUs (NO DEED RESTRICTION)

Rebates are typically up to $7,500, based on ADU size:

• $7,500 for ADUs ≤ 500 sq ft
• $5,000 for ADUs 501–750 sq ft
• $2,500 for ADUs 751–1,000 sq ft
• Generally no rebate for ADUs over 1,000 sq ft

OPTION B: LOW-INCOME DEED-RESTRICTED ADUs

If an ADU is deed-restricted for low-income occupancy (often for 20 years), the rebate may be up to $15,000, again tied to size:

• $15,000 for ADUs ≤ 500 sq ft
• $10,000 for ADUs 501–750 sq ft
• $5,000 for ADUs 751–1,000 sq ft

‍

‍

THE MAIN ELIGIBILITY RULES TO WATCH

City pages vary, but the most common program requirements include:

• ADU size cap: The ADU must generally be 1,000 sq ft or smaller to qualify for rebates.
• Funding limits: Programs are often first-come, first-served until funds are exhausted.
• Timing: You typically need to complete the project and obtain a Certificate of Occupancy within the program window. For example, Walnut Creek spells out the timing and process for eligibility.
• City-specific cutoffs: Some cities have special requirements. For example, San Ramon notes that the building permit issuance date must be no earlier than April 14, 2025.

WHY TIMING MATTERS FOR ADU REBATES (WALNUT CREEK EXAMPLE)

Many homeowners plan to use an ADU rebate to reduce total project cost, but in practice these programs can fill quickly. Walnut Creek states that rebates are offered until allocated funding is expended and are first-come, first-served.

If your city’s allocation is running low, you may see tighter intake procedures, pauses, or waitlists. Before relying on the rebate in your ADU budget, check your city’s program page and confirm current status with the city contact listed there.

PRACTICAL TIPS BEFORE YOU APPLY

• Confirm your ADU size early. If you design above 1,000 sq ft, the rebate may not apply.
• Plan for the Certificate of Occupancy deadline. Delays during plan check, construction, or utilities can jeopardize eligibility.
• Verify your city’s requirements up front. Details like permit issuance cutoffs can matter.

READY TO GET STARTED?

The best way to get started is to book a call with the Inspired ADUs team. We can review your property, your goals, and your target city, then help you map a realistic path to permitting and construction while factoring in the ADU Accelerator rebate program where applicable.

SOURCES AND LINKS

• Town of Danville, “ADU Accelerator Program for Senate District 7” (program hub and packet links): https://www.danville.ca.gov/1055/ADU-Accelerator-Program-for-Senate-Distr
• Town of Danville, “SD7 ADU Accelerator Program Guidelines” (PDF): https://www.danville.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/10963/2---SD7-ADU-Accelerator---Program-Guidelines
• City of Walnut Creek, “Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Rebate Program”: https://www.walnutcreekca.gov/government/community-development-department/permits/building-permits/building-and-land-use-regulations/adu-acceleration-program
• City of San Ramon, “Accessory Dwelling Unit Accelerator Program”: https://www.sanramon.ca.gov/our_city/departments_and_divisions/community_development/planning_services/adu_accelerator_program
• City of Pleasanton, “Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)”: https://www.cityofpleasantonca.gov/our-government/community-and-economic-development/accessory-dwelling-units-adus/
• City of Orinda, “Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)”: https://www.cityoforinda.gov/369/Accessory-Dwelling-Units
• City of Brentwood, “ADU Accelerator Program”: https://www.brentwoodca.gov/government/community-development/development-services/adu-accelerator-program
• City of Lafayette: “ADU Accelerator Program”: https://www.lovelafayette.org/city-hall/city-departments/planning-building/adus/adu-accelerator-program

‍