What are Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU's)?

There are two types of ADU's:

1. Junior Accessible Dwelling Units (JADU): Are private secondary units of up to 500 square feet in size that are created by carving out an existing bedroom or bedrooms and ancillary spaces from an existing home.  These units have private entrance, kitchenette, and either a private or shared bathroom, and share utility systems with the main residence. 
2. Accessory dwelling units (ADU): A small dwelling unit that is an accessory to a single-family dwelling unit.  Unlike JADU that needs only have a kitchenette, ADUs that are created by converting an existing accessory structure will have a full kitchen and full bathroom and share utility systems with the main residence. 

Why is the City implementing an ADU program?

The Housing Services Department of the City of Fairfield is offering an ADU/JADU Program for the purpose of expanding affordable rental housing opportunities, within certain areas in the City, by providing eligible homeowners with technical and financial assistance to create independent accessory apartment units.

How does the ADU program work?

Under the Program, the City provides participating eligible homeowners with financing in the form of a forgivable, deferred payment loan to finance the cost to create either a junior accessible dwelling unit or an accessible dwelling unit. 

Who can qualify for the ADU program?

Location Restrictions: The home must be located within the boundaries of the map below:

Rental Restrictions: The Program requires either the newly created Unit or the remainder of the home to be rented to an eligible low-income household in accordance with the City’s Program Guidelines.

How do I get started?

1. Read Program Guidelines.
2. Determine if your property is located within the boundaries (map above).
3. Confirm that your income falls within the approved range.
4. Request a feasibility assessment by calling (707) 428-7445.

Once your feasibility assessment is approved: 

1. Complete the application.
2. Attach copies of all supporting documentation listed on page 2 of the Application Checklist.
3. Deliver the completed application to:

Housing Services Department
1525 Webster Street, Suite B
Fairfield, CA 94533