PITTSBURG – In a move to boost housing opportunities across the city, eligible property owners could receive up to $15,000 in rebates for building new accessory dwelling units.

Part of the Senate District 7 Accessory Dwelling Unit Accelerator Program that was piloted by state Sen. Steve Glazer last year, the Accessory Dwelling Unit Rebate Program will impact 15 East Bay cities, including Pittsburg.

The city has been allocated about $190,407 in funding for the program.

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Accessory dwelling units, or ADUs, are sometimes referred to as in-law units or backyard homes. Some property owners have considered them as ways to provide a supplemental income, while advocates see them as a partial solution to the state’s ongoing housing crisis.

According to the city, the rebate program aims to encourage the construction of smaller ADUs. No rebates will be given for units over 1,000 square feet or junior units.

Those who are eligible can receive individual rebates up to $7,500 for new ADUs or up to $15,000 for new ADUs that are deed-restricted to low-income households. The rebates will be given to property owners if they obtain a building permit to construct an ADU and receive a certificate of occupancy within 18 months of issuance.

Residents have until the end of September 2026 or until funds are expended to take part in the program.

Pittsburg Mayor Jelani Killings said ADUs are a “practical solution” to help meet the city’s housing goals.

“We’re excited to offer financial incentives and design tools to support their development City-wide,” said Killings in a statement. “ADUs have the potential to help increase housing supply, provide an affordable housing option for residents and their extended family, and allow those wanting to live independently yet close to family members or caregivers another option.”

Pittsburg Associate Planner Kelsey Gunter said the city has received 60 ADU permits that received final inspection and certificates of occupancy since February 2022.

Gunter said so far, the city has received three applications for the ADU rebate program.

According to a staff report, the city will also allocate $50,000 of grant funding toward developing permit-ready ADU plans. These pre-reviewed, free plans aim to help homeowners save on design costs and expedite the permitting process.

“Homeowners can apply for an ADU using the city’s online permitting software, Accela,” said Gunter.

For more information on the program, visit pittsburgca.gov/ADUaccelerator.