Marin County Grand Jury
• 2023-2024
Build More ADUs - An Rx to Increase Marin’s Housing Supply
⚠️ Translation Notice: This content has been automatically translated. The original English text is the official version. Translation may contain errors.
⚠️ Este contenido ha sido traducido automáticamente. El texto original en inglés es la versión oficial. La traducción puede contener errores.
Findings and Recommendations 10 findings
F1
More housing in Marin is needed and ADUs are one solution.
No recommendations for this finding
F2
Many homeowners lack information and knowledge about ADU development, and Marin’s jurisdictions are not always helpful to homeowners seeking information about ADU development.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3
By December 1, 2023, begin the process of merging and/or collaborating with Napa/Sonoma ADU, and hiring a full-time Marin ADU Program Coordinator. The program coordinator should work with all jurisdictions on the development of ADUs and identify impact and connection fees within each jurisdiction.
F3
It is often difficult, if not impossible, for a Marin homeowner to determine the planning, building, connection, capacity and impact fees associated with developing an ADU in a particular jurisdiction.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3
By December 1, 2023, begin the process of merging and/or collaborating with Napa/Sonoma ADU, and hiring a full-time Marin ADU Program Coordinator. The program coordinator should work with all jurisdictions on the development of ADUs and identify impact and connection fees within each jurisdiction.
F4
Many Bay Area cities and counties, for example Napa and Sonoma, have implemented comprehensive websites and related support to help homeowners create ADUs.
No recommendations for this finding
F5
ADUs may be rented affordably and provide additional benefits for older adults and their caregivers.
No recommendations for this finding
F6
Most Marin jurisdictions could provide better resources offering or identifying financing incentives for ADU development.
Related Recommendations (2)
R1
On or before December 31, 2023, the Marin County Board of Supervisors should direct the Community Development Agency's Development Priority Setting Committee to: 1) Identify available funding/financing information for residents who need help with the cost of building an ADU, 2) Transmit the collected information to all the jurisdictions represented on the Committee. 3) Start a continuous monitoring program to update the information sources as they become available.
R6
By December 1, 2023, begin feasibility assessments of new incentives for ADU development, such as pre-approved plans, technical assistance, property tax relief, development fee waivers, and forgivable loans; implement at least one such incentive no later than July 1, 2024.
F7
Impact, connection, and capacity fees vary considerably throughout the County and such fees can be a disincentive to homeowners considering ADU development.
Related Recommendations (1)
R4
By December 1, 2023, begin a feasibility assessment of waiving or significantly lowering impact and connection fees for units smaller than 750 square feet.
F8
Not every jurisdiction in Marin has updated its planning and building policies to conform with current California ADU laws.
Related Recommendations (1)
R5
By December 1, 2023, begin creating plans to accelerate the permit approval process for ADU applications to , or less, of submission. Implement such plans no later than July 1, 2024.
F9
Granting amnesty, following safety inspection, to existing non-conforming second units could help Marin meet its housing obligations.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2
By December 1, 2023, begin investigation to consider an amnesty program to legalize existing unpermitted second units. Add a marketing communications plan so that citizens can be made aware of it.
F10
ADU Marin and HelloADU are a good start. However, compared to several other Bay Area cities and counties, for example Napa and Sonoma, they could be substantially enhanced and expanded.
No recommendations for this finding