In partnership with the cities of Ceres, Modesto, Oakdale, Riverbank, Turlock, and Waterford, Stanislaus County has contracted with TPH Architects to develop complete, pre-approved Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) building plans that are going to be available, free of charge, for property owners living in any of the partner jurisdictions; this is to help streamline the permitting process and reduce the costs for property owners to add ADUs to their properties.

Senate Bill (SB) 2, signed by Governor Brown in 2017 was aimed at addressing the state’s housing shortage and high housing costs. The legislation directed that the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), use 50 percent of the revenue in the first year to establish the Planning Grants Program (PGP). The PGP program was not competitive and all localities that met the eligibility requirements were funded.

All the cities decided to utilize a portion of their PGP grant funding to partner with Stanislaus County to go out for a request for proposal to contract with an architect to develop the ADU plans that are now being made available free of charge to residents.

ADUs are an accessory beyond traditional construction in California homes providing a solution for additional housing needs for families. ADUs, also referred to as in-law units, are being built to address the lack of housing that meets people’s needs for affordability and proximity to job rich environments.

ADUs tend to be significantly less expensive to build than new detached single-family homes because they are not being built on new land and can provide as much living space as apartments and/or condominiums. These free plans have been designed to provide adaptability in meeting typical lot sizes and configurations found throughout Stanislaus County. There are seven different options in a variety of sizes and exterior finishes creating a desirable living space for those who would seek to occupy an ADU.

To take advantage of this opportunity, we encourage property owners should contact a representative in their jurisdiction of residency to obtain the pre-checked building plans, free of charge, and to get more information about the process of constructing an ADU on their property.

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUS) - Planning & Community Development - Stanislaus County (stancounty.com)

The California Mortgage Relief Program is expanding to provide tax payment assistance to help you get caught up. The program uses federal Homeowner Assistance Funds to help homeowners with past-due property tax payments.

The program is free. The funds do not need to be repaid and there is no cost to apply.

"This will be a big help to homeowners who are delinquent on property taxes due to COVID-19," stated Donna Riley, Stanislaus County Treasurer-Tax Collector. "Eligible homeowners could receive up to $20,000 to cover past due property tax payments."

Riley added that there are more than 2,800 homeowners currently behind in their property taxes in Stanislaus County. To receive funding, applicants must meet specific criteria related to financial hardship caused by the pandemic.

To find out if you qualify for the program, please go to CaMortgageRelief.org. You can also call 1-888-840-2594.

The California Mortgage Relief Program is part of the state's Housing is Key initiative.