Is the California ADU Grant Still Available in 2026?
Short answer: No. The statewide CalHFA ADU Grant ran out of funds in December 2023. CalHFA's own page says that on December 28, 2023, "the latest round of ADU funding has been fully allocated," and that is still the latest update on the page as of October 21, 2026 (CalHFA).
What the grant was
The CalHFA ADU Grant Program gave homeowners up to $40,000 to reimburse pre-development and non-recurring closing costs for building an ADU, such as site prep, designs, permits, soil tests, impact fees, surveys and energy reports (CalHFA).
Note: HCD's ADU funding page still describes the CalHFA grant without saying it closed (HCD). CalHFA runs the program, and its page is the one to trust.
Watch out for grant scams
CalHFA warns: "If anyone approaches you saying they can help you get an ADU Grant, it is a financial scam." It asks people to forward any names or phone numbers to marketing@calhfa.ca.gov (CalHFA).
Local programs to check in 2026
HCD lists these local programs (HCD ADU funding). Funding and rules change, so check each program's current page before you plan around it.
San Diego Housing Commission ADU Finance Program (City of San Diego): a construction loan of up to $250,000 at 3% fixed for owner-occupied single-family homes. Household income must be at or below 80% of area median, the minimum credit score is 680, and the ADU's rent stays affordable for seven years (SDHC). This is a loan, not a grant.
Santa Cruz County ADU Forgivable Loan Program: forgivable loans for owners who rent their ADU to low-income households at affordable rents.
City of Clovis ADU Finance Program: financing to build or repair ADUs on single-family lots in Clovis.
San Mateo County One Stop Shop: no-cost help with ADU design, permitting and project management.
City of San Jose and City of Chico: pre-approved ADU plans and support.
HCD also lists state programs such as CalHome and the Local Housing Trust Fund. That money goes to local agencies and nonprofits, which may run their own homeowner programs.
A saving every Californian gets
Under state law, an ADU of 750 sq ft or less of interior living space pays no impact fees (HCD ADU Handbook). Many tiny homes on a foundation fall well under that size.
Do these programs cover tiny homes?
They fund ADUs, which are permanent units. A tiny home on a foundation can be an ADU. A tiny home on wheels generally is not an ADU under state law (HCD, 2025), so it usually won't qualify.
Frequently asked questions
Is the CalHFA ADU grant still available?
No. CalHFA says the latest round was fully allocated on December 28, 2023 (CalHFA).
Will there be a new California ADU grant round?
CalHFA hasn't announced one on its ADU page as of October 21, 2026. Treat anyone offering to get you one as a scam, as CalHFA warns.
How much was the California ADU grant?
Up to $40,000 toward pre-development and non-recurring closing costs.
Are there other ADU grants or loans in California?
Some local programs exist, such as the San Diego Housing Commission's ADU loan. HCD keeps a list, and terms change, so confirm before you apply.
Can I use an ADU grant for a tiny home on wheels?
Usually not. These programs fund ADUs, and a tiny home on wheels generally isn't an ADU under state law (HCD, 2025).
Related guides
Floor Plan Preview
Here's a look at two of the designs Zen Tiny Homes can build. Every plan can be adjusted to fit your lot.
Jamul Bungalow: 3D exterior
Jamul Bungalow: floor plan
See all the layouts in California Tiny Home Floor Plans.
Ready to plan your tiny home?
Zen Tiny Homes in San Diego designs and builds tiny homes (Alpine, Mammoth, Container, and fully custom). Fill out the free Buyers Application and we'll help you choose the right path for your site and budget.
Prefer to talk? Call Zen Tiny Homes at 760-492-0742 or visit zentinyhomes.com.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Rules change. Zen's $500 site assessment checks what fits your lot, or call 760-492-0742.
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