Plus One ADU

The Plus One ADU Program offers grants of up to $125,000 (with $112,500 indirect assistance) to help homeowners in select towns in Essex, Warren, and Washington County to build or help bring up to code Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs).

This program is designed to:

• Support single-family homeowners who cannot afford to finance ADU construction on their own
• Promote the development of long-term rental housing
• Ensure compliance with local zoning and building laws

To qualify for assistance, applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

A. Primary Residence

• The applicant must own and live in the primary residence
• Vacation homes and second homes are not eligible

B. Geography
The following towns in Essex, Warren, and Washington Counties:

• Town of North Elba
• Town of Jay
• Town of Elizabethtown
• Town Lake George
• Town of Bolton
• Town of Granville
• Town of Kingsbury/Hudson Falls

C. Income Eligibility
Your gross annual household income (pre-tax) must not exceed the following limits (Income includes all sources from all household members, regardless of relationship):

D. Financial Need

• Must demonstrate the inability to fund the project without assistance (e.g., insufficient savings)
• Must be willing to explore additional funding options if the project exceeds the $112,500 direct assistance

E. Additional Requirements

• Must have homeowners insurance
• Must agree to allow photos of the finished ADU for promotional purposes
• Must be a U.S. Citizen or hold legal resident status

F. Property Requirements
Eligible properties must meet all the following:

• Be located within the participating towns and villages within Essex, Warren, or Washington County
• Be free of zoning code violations
• Meet all building and setback requirements for ADUs/Accessory Apartments (based on local town/village laws)
• Not be a mobile home
• Not containing other residential units or commercial businesses
• Not be in a flood zone or flood path
• Properties in Special Flood Hazard Areas must carry flood insurance and may require flood insurance

If you meet the eligibility requirements stated above, you may apply. If you apply, please go through this document checklist first and assemble your materials. Then proceed to the application.

ADU DOCUMENT CHECKLIST
Please provide the following documents to complete your preliminary application for Plus One ADU:

1. Completed application (Sections I–IV) (i..e., the application itself)
2. Authorization to release information (signed by all owners)
3. Agency disclosure (signed by all owners)
4. Proof of income (last 8 weeks of pay stubs, 2024 tax returns, benefit letters)
5. Last 3 months of bank statements
6. Photo ID of all applicants
7. Copy of deed
8. Proof of homeowner’s insurance
9. Latest mortgage statement
10. Tax bills and proof of payment (property, school, etc.)

If Available:

1. Plot plans of proposed ADU placement
2. Architect/engineer drawings with foundation plans (if applicable)
3. Contractor estimates (including infrastructure)

Applications begin reviewing after August 11th. See the information below for all necessary details, including what may impact your submitted application.