What is Summit County’s Accessory Dwelling Unit Assistance Program?

The Summit County Housing Department has launched the Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Assistance Program to support the development of both attached and detached ADUs in unincorporated areas of Summit County. Depending on the specific circumstances, the county offers reimbursement of up to $60,000 for the construction of new ADUs. In regions served by participating water and sewer districts, these funds can be applied to cover water and sewer tap fees upfront. The program also supports funding to convert non-compliant ADU’s into compliant ADU’s.

Who is Eligible for the Program?

Homeowners in Unincorporated Summit County or anyone building a home in unincorporated Summit County, who has the capacity to construct a compliant Accessory Dwelling Unit, whether attached or detached. Or anyone in unincorporated Summit County who is willing to convert an existing non-compliant ADU into a compliant ADU.

Issued and completed building permits are not eligible for the Accessory Dwelling Unit Assistance Program.

Program Funding Options

1. Attached or Detached New Construction - 25% of total construction cost up to $40,000 for a studio, $50,000 for a one-bedroom and $60,000 for a two-bedroom unit with a rental cap of 110% of Summit County AMI. There is the possibility for the percentage of funding to increase if an owner lowers the maximum rent charged on the ADU, however this will not increase beyond the maximum dollar amount funded. For official information on potential funding eligibility, please contact the Summit County Housing Department or the Accessory Dwelling Unit Assistance Program coordinators directly.

2. Existing Unfinished Space - Owners converting existing unfinished space into a compliant ADU can receive 25% of the cost of conversion up to $35,000 with a 110% AMI rental cap, with the option to receive up to 30% and 40% of construction costs by agreeing to a lower rental cap.

3. Existing Finished Space - Owners converting existing finished space into a compliant ADU can receive 25% of the construction cost up to $30,000 with a 110% AMI rental cap, with the option to receive up to 30% and 40% of construction costs by agreeing to a lower rental cap.

4. Non-Conforming ADU’s - Owners of non-compliant ADU’s can receive 25% of the construction costs, up to $25,000, to bring their unit into compliance with a 110% rental cap, with the option to receive up to 30% and 40% of construction costs by agreeing to a lower rental cap.

5. Live/Work Unit Conversion – The Accessory Dwelling Unit Assistance Program also supports the conversion of commercial property into a live/work unit. If you are interested in this funding option, please first consult with a design professional to see if a conversion is possible. Specific funding amounts will depend on whether the commercial space is currently finished.

Accessory Dwelling Unit Assistance Program Covenant

All ADUs in Summit County are required to have a restrictive covenant placed on the ADU (not the entire home), stipulating that the occupant must work in Summit County for 30 or more hours per week. Through the ADU Assistance Program, an additional requirement that an AMI rental cap will be set in the ADU covenant, ensuring that rents remain affordable for tenants while providing fair compensation for owners. Rental amounts will adjust annually in line with increases in Summit County's Annual AMI.

Monthly AMI Rental Caps for 2023 for Reference:

Use of Program Funds

After the ADU Assistance Program Funding Agreement has been officially signed by the applicant, the funds can be used for water and sewer tap fees if the respective district participates in the program. In not, these funds can be used in advance to purchase water augmentation through the Summit County Manager's Office. Any remaining funds not directed to a water or sewer district will be paid to the owner after the issuance of the unit’s "Certificate of Occupancy".

How to Apply for Summit County's Accessory Dwelling Unit Assistance Program?

Click here to fill out an ADU assistance program application. The County requests you provide a copy of your construction contract, bank loan information and/or a full construction cost plan for review with your application.