Columbia County Plus One ADU

So you’re looking to build a backyard cottage? Or separate a unit within your own home?

Discover the benefits of an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU). An ADU is an additional unit on your property, either attached to your home (like a basement apartment) or detached (like a converted garage or cottage.)

Interested? RUPCO can help! The Plus One ADU program provides up to $125,000 to assist Columbia County low-moderate income property owners with grants to construct or rehab code-compliant Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) to create affordable housing.

Application window is OPEN!
Deadline: December 13, 2024

DOWNLOAD ENGLISH APPLICATION               DOWNLOAD SPANISH APPLICATION 

Download English Application

          Download Spanish Application

Application deadline:
December 13, 2024

Questions:

          (845) 713-4568 x 110

[email protected]

How am I eligible for the program?

Participants must meet the following criteria:

  • Primary Residence: Demonstrate that the applicant owns and occupies a residential unit in Columbia County, where the ADU will be located. Vacation or second homes cannot be considered.
  • Income Eligibility. The household gross income (pre-tax) from all sources must not exceed the chart below.
    The owner must be income qualified. Income limit of the home owner is based on 100% of HUD’s Median Household income adjusted for household size effective 4/1/2024. Income includes income of dependents and other adults in the household over 18 and not full-time students, Social Security, child support, wage income, net self-employment averaged over 3 years, pensions, workers comp, unemployment or other applicant and non-applicant income.
    Household Size 1 234 567 8
    Maximum Annual Income$74,480$85,120$95,760$106,400$114,912$123,424$131,936$140,448
  • Need: The applicant must demonstrate that they would only be able to finance the development of the proposed ADU with the grant (e.g., lack of personal savings).
  • Willingness to explore additional funding or financing options if the ADU project cost is over the $125,000 program award.
  • Have homeowners insurance.
  • If chosen, willingness to have pictures taken of the ADU, once completed, for promotional purposes.
  • Owners must be US Citizens or have legal resident status.

Eligible homes and property must be:

  • Located in zoning where Accessory Dwelling Units (or variations of this terminology, e.g., accessory apartments) must be permitted by right, through site plan review, or through a special use permit in the zoning district where the applicant’s property is located.
  • Property must not have any zoning code violations.
  • Property must be big enough to meet all building and setback requirements for ADUs/Accessory Apartments for the town/village where the property is located.
  • Not be a mobile home
  • Property must not have other residential buildings or commercial businesses operating on the property.

How do I apply? 

Applications will be available for download on our website and for pick up at RUPCO’s HomeOwnership Center (301 Fair Street, Kingston.), the Columbia County main offices (401 State Street, Hudson, NY) and the Columbia Economic Development Corporation (One Hudson City Ctre, Hudson, NY)

DOWNLOAD ENGLISH APPLICATION               DOWNLOAD SPANISH APPLICATION 

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.)

 

 


What are ADUs and What Do They Do? 

What is an ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit)

What’s an ADU? 

The term accessory dwelling unit (ADU) refers to all forms of additional units on residential properties and may be either attached (internal) to the primary residence (e.g., basement apartment) or detached (external) from the primary residence (e.g., garage conversion, cottage).

What Do They Do? 

  • Enable family members (including family caregivers) to reside on the same property while having their own living spaces.
  • Provide housing for a hired caregiver.
  • Provide rental income to homeowners.
  • Help older residents remain independent and “age in place.”
  • Provide an adaptable form of housing, ADUs provide flexible solutions for changing needs.