Humboldt County has not been immune to the housing shortage experienced throughout California. Opportunities to build new homes can be difficult to come by in our area, especially housing that is affordable. Purchasing a home is out of reach for many workers and families while renters are facing prices that are just too high. Developing ADUs, also known as granny flats or backyard cottages, is one important way to help create more housing for our community.

Humboldt ADU is a program developed by Humboldt County to support and inform homeowners within the county who are interested in building ADUs. This program, which fulfills a goal outlined in the County’s 2019 Housing Element, seeks to encourage the development of ADUs as a means to increase the supply of affordable housing. The program is one component of a broader effort to address the barriers experienced by renters, landowners, and builders and ultimately to increase affordable housing options in the county.

This work is supported by a grant awarded by the California Department of Housing and Community Development as part of the SB 2 Planning Grant Program. As a part of these efforts, many resources, such as the guidebook, calculator and information on this website were created by Community Planning Collaborative. Web Design & Development by Louder Design.