Glazier secures funding to boost ADUs in Concord and Clayton
CONCORD and CLAYTON, CA (Nov. 21, 2024) — A $2.5 million pilot program could benefit Clayton and Concord residents who want to build Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), but first, Clayton needs to get state approval of its Housing Element.
Clayton’s plan to address the housing needs of all economic segments of the community is still undergoing state review. Mayor Jim Diaz said the city has contracted with Daniel Hortert, who is negotiating with the state as the city’s interim Community Development director.
“Over the past two to three years, the Housing Element has been bouncing back and forth between the state and Clayton,” Diaz told the Pioneer. “Whatever deficiencies the state identifies, they have been working with the city’s Community Development staff to shore that up. We believe that with Hortert’s firm and their expertise, they will have a better chance of winning approval.”
Once the document has met state requirements, it will go back to the City Council for review. Then Clayton would be eligible to apply for a piece of the ADU Accelerator Program, which aims to facilitate construction of 350 ADUs in the East Bay.
Housing shortage
“It is no secret the state of California is facing a shortage of available and affordable housing, and no one knows this better than our local cities and towns,” said State Sen. Steve Glazer, who worked to obtain the funding. “I have been a staunch supporter of cities seeking new and unique ways to spur the production of housing while blending new developments within the fabric of their communities.”
Part of the program would provide cities with up to $50,000 to create pre-approved, permit-ready ADU plans. Clayton and Concord already have such plans in place, but the money could be used to modify or update existing permit-ready ADU plans or to create additional permit-ready ADU plans.
“We will be applying for Concord’s share for the rebate program and to update our pre-approved plans to the new building codes,” said Jennifer Ortega, Concord’s Community Relations manager.
Another portion of the money would go directly to residents who meet low-income requirements, with rebates ranging from $2,500 to $15,000 per ADU.
The California Department of Housing and Community Development will administer the program, with the town of Danville acting as the fiscal agent. The funding is available to all 15 cities in Glazer’s district. In addition to Concord, the cities of Walnut Creek, Orinda, Danville, Antioch and Oakley have submitted applications.
“I’m hoping that cities in my district can show what can be achieved when cities work together with the state on an incentivized program aimed at producing more affordable housing,” Glazer said.
Bev Britton
Bev Britton graduated with a degree in journalism from the University of North Dakota and moved to the Bay Area with her soon-to-be husband Jim in 1986. She was features editor at the Contra Costa Times in Walnut Creek before becoming managing editor of the Contra Costa Sun in Lafayette in 1995. She retired from newsrooms in 2001, but an ad for the Clayton Pioneer drew her back in. The family moved to Lake Wildwood in the Gold Country a few years ago - but working at the Pioneer keeps her in touch with her old neighborhoods in Concord and Clayton.