Thinking of adding a backyard cottage? Converting your garage? Or turning part of your home into a separate living space? An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) could be the perfect solution. Whether it’s a basement apartment, garage conversion, or standalone cottage, ADUs create flexible housing options for families, caregivers, and renters — all on your existing … {...}
Columbia County Accessory Dwelling Unit Program
Thinking of adding a backyard cottage? Converting your garage? Or turning part of your home into a separate living space?
An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) could be the perfect solution. Whether it’s a basement apartment, garage conversion, or standalone cottage, ADUs create flexible housing options for families, caregivers, and renters — all on your existing property.
Introducing the Plus One ADU Program
The Plus One ADU program offers grants of up to $112,500 to help eligible Columbia County homeowners build or renovate a code-compliant ADU.
Whether you’re creating space for a loved one or exploring a new income stream, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Application Window is OPEN.
How am I eligible?
Primary Residence
You must own and live in the Columbia County property where the ADU will be built. Vacation or second homes do not qualify.
Applicants must show that the ADU project would not be financially possible without this grant (e.g., insufficient savings).
If your project exceeds the $112,500 grant, you must be open to exploring other funding or financing options.
| Household Size | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum Annual Income | $94,650 | $108,200 | $121,700 | $135,250 | $146,050 | $156,900 | $167,700 | $178,500 |
Income includes earnings of all adults (18+) who are not full-time students, including wages, benefits, child support, self-employment income (3-year average), Social Security, pensions, and more.
Other Requirements
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Must carry homeowner’s insurance.
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Willing to have the completed ADU photographed for promotional use.
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Must be a U.S. citizen or have legal resident status.
Is My Property Eligible?
Your property must meet the following criteria:
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Located in a zoning district that permits ADUs (by right, site plan review, or special use permit).
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Free of zoning code violations.
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Sized to meet local ADU setback and building requirements.
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Not a mobile home.
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No other residential buildings or commercial businesses on the property.
How can I apply?
Or Pick up an application
RUPCO office
304 Flatbush Avenue Kingston, NY
In addition to the completed application, applicants will be asked to provide the following documentation:
- Proof of household income: last 8 weeks of paystubs, most recent federal tax return filed (if self-employed provide last 3 years with schedules), SS awards letters, pensions etc.
- 3 Months of most recent bank statements (savings, checking, bonds, IRAs, etc.)
- Federal tax returns including W-2’s 2023 (for Self-employed submit 3 years of tax returns with business Schedules and YTD profit and loss for 2023.
- Public assistance benefit statements (HEAP, SNAP, TANF other) – if applicable
- Photo ID of applicants
- Copy of deed
- Proof of homeowners insurance.
- Last mortgage statement
- Copy of most recent tax bills and proof of payment (property, school, town, etc.)
Questions?
Call 845-331-2140 x 260
[email protected]
* Funds are provided by Housing Trust Fund Corporation (HTFC) NYS Homes & Community Renewal (HCR)
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