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On January 1st, new state laws take effect that will dramatically ease the rules for building a second unit. For all the latest, subscribe for updates at https://secondunitcentersmc.org/subscribe/.

From our partners with Rebuilding Together Penninsula:

Thanks for your interest in our 4th Annual EPA Revitalization Fair, presented by Acterra, Canopy, GRID Alternatives, Habitat Humanity Greater San Francisco Bay Area, Rebuilding Together Peninsula and the City of East Palo Alto.

The event will feature a variety of activities from 8:30am-3:30pm, with the bulk of the activities happening in conjunction with a Resource Fair from 11:30am-3:30pm. There will be two teach-In sessions on Accessory Dwelling Units & Anti-Displacement in EPA from 9-11:30am and 1-3:30pm.

This Second Unit/ ADU Resource Fair is a FREE event to help San Mateo County residents get the information they need to build a second unit.

At this resource fair, you can:

• Meet over 30 architects, builders, lenders, and other professionals that specialize in Second Units.
• Learn about Bright in Your Backyard, Hello Housing’s One Stop Shop to help homeowners navigate the process of building their second unit with FREE project management support throughout the process.
• Tour a Prefab second unit on-site!
• Get a FREE how-to workbook on second units (while supplies last)
• Arrive and leave anytime during the event- you don’t have to stay the whole time.
• Meet city planners from Redwood City, Pacifica, and unincorporated San Mateo County.

Whether you are just starting to think about whether building a second unit is a good fit for you or if you are already putting together your project team, you won’t want to miss this unprecedented event!

Special Second Unit Presentations

Top second unit experts will be giving optional presentations on popular topics for those who want a more in-depth overview. The preliminary presentation schedule includes:

2:00-2:20: Event Welcome

2:40-3:10: What can I build? Zoning terms and requirements explained.

3:30-4:00: How can I build? Finding your construction team.

4:10-4:30: How do I pay for it? Funding your second unit project.

Admission to all presentations is included for free with your RSVP to the main fair. Seating for presentations is on a first come, first served basis. All presentations are in the same building as the vendor tables. Tabling will continue in parallel with the presentations.

RSVP for free tickets here!

From the event host, Rebuilding Together Peninsula:

Want to learn more about ADUs and garage conversions? Join us on June 1st at our resource fair!

ADUs provide a critical source of affordable housing in low-income communities. Unfortunately, illegally constructed ADUs result in unsafe, unhealthy and unstable housing options for some of the most vulnerable members of our community — renters or low-income family members who have no other affordable options available to them. Many of these housing units are converted garages or outbuildings that are not built to code and do not have the appropriate permits for occupancy. The homeowners building these ADUs are simply trying to supplement their income to help them make ends meet, or they are trying to help family members having difficulty finding affordable housing in the area.

Since early 2017, Rebuilding Together Peninsula (RTP) has been working with the City of East Palo Alto and Faith in Action to help remedy the ADU crisis that is currently plaguing the city and its residents.

The following event is hosted by AARP and Housing Trust Silicon Valley:

ADUs: Not Just for Granny Anymore

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are a great housing option to keep families and friends close preventing displacement. They also provide an opportunity to build wealth and act as an urban infill. ADUs are complete independent living facilities that generally take shape in three forms:

• Attached ADUs: built as additions to the main structure, expanding the footprint
• Detached ADUs: stand-alone structures
• Interior ADUs: converted or repurposed of existing space (e.g. the master bedroom) within the primary residence

This panel will discuss related legislation, designs and barriers to building ADUs. Currently, there are several bills intended to ease development restrictions and local jurisdictions are encouraging development. Considerations of ADU design include orientation, efficient floor plans and Universal Design to properly age in place. Lack of education and financing are the biggest barriers too development, which will be discussed throughout the session.

Panelist

• Vianey Nava, ADU Program Manager of HTSV
• Carrie Shores, Owner/Principal of Inspired Independence
• Steve Vallejos, Owner and Property Developer of prefabADU
• Shila Behzadiari, Associate Planner of City of Sunnyvale
• Sen. Bob Wiekowski, Sponsor of Senate Bill 13
• Moderator: Fred Buzo, Associate State Director of AARP

Parking

Available at the Fourth Street Garage (no parking validation) across from the library on E. San Fernando Street and 4th.

Bike racks are located on South Fourth St. near E. San Fernando Street.