Fee waiver options
Through December 31, 2026, the County is offering the following fee waivers for the development of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and junior accessory dwelling units (JADUs):
- Up to $1,500 for eligible JADUs (no income restriction)
- Up to $2,500 for eligible ADUs (no income restriction)
If deed-restricted affordable, the applicant can seek an additional:
- Up to $5,000 for eligible ADUs restricted for a household earning a moderate-income (81-120% of the Area Median Income)
- Up to $10,000 for eligible ADUs restricted for a household earning a low-income (below 80% of the Area Median Income)
To receive the $5,000 or $10,000 waiver, you will need to place a deed-restriction on the property confirming the unit will be rented to a household at the income level specified. You can find the income levels below.
To qualify for the waiver, you will need to affirm that the ADU/JADU will not be used as a short-term rental.
Process and application
You will first need to consult with the Planning Division to determine all the fees and permits needed for the project.
To apply for either the $5,000 or $10,000 waiver, complete our online application after consulting with the Planning Division and Building & Safety Division. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
The general fee waivers ($1,500 and $2,500) are processed directly by Staff. You do not need to submit a separate application.
Success story
Don and Jane's Affordable ADU in Bolinas
Don and Jane utilized the $10,000 permit fee waiver to support the development of a deed-restricted affordable ADU on their property in Bolinas. This video shows how they implemented cost-effective strategies and partnered with a local organization to find a tenant family.
Affordable ADU rent and income limits
The Area Median Income (AMI) is calculated regionally, and households are considered “low-income” or “moderate-income” in relation to these numbers. The AMI establishes income and rent limits for these categories by household and unit size. The most recently available thresholds as published by the Marin Housing Authority include the following:
| Unit Size | Assumed household size | Maximum household income | Maximum rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | 1 | $108,300 | $2,708 |
| One bedroom | 2 | $123,800 | $3,095 |
| Two bedrooms | 3 | $139,250 | $3,481 |
| Three bedrooms | 4 | $154,700 | $3,868 |
| Unit Size | Assumed household size | Maximum household income | Maximum rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | 1 | $156,000 | $3,900 |
| One bedroom | 2 | $178,300 | $4,458 |
| Two bedrooms | 3 | $200,550 | $5,014 |
| Three bedrooms | 4 | $222,850 | $5,571 |
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
The types of permits required will depend on your project scope and site location. Common permits for an ADU include:
- Planning permit: Types of planning permits include ministerial and discretionary. This permit is required if the project is not exempt. More details are available in Section 22.32.120 of the Development Code. For more information, please contact the Planning Division.
- Coastal permit: This is required if the project is located within the Coastal Zone. For more information, please contact the Planning Division.
- Building permit: Dependent on square footage and project scope. For more information, please contact the Building & Safety Division.
- Environmental Health septic and graywater permit: Only required if a new septic system is needed or modification to an existing system. Learn more about when it’s required and what the associated fees are. For more information, please contact the Environmental Health Services Division.
This program applies to properties located in unincorporated Marin County. Utilize our jurisdiction look-up tool to determine your property’s jurisdiction. Additional Countywide services and resources are available through ADUMarin.
The fee waiver can be applied to County fees assessed by the Community Development Agency, including the Planning and Building & Safety Divisions.
No, an ADU receiving a fee waiver may not be rented as a short-term rental (i.e: AirBnb, VRBO, etc.) defined as rented for a term of 30 days or less.
The $2,500 waiver is applied directly as fees are being determined.
For the additional affordable fee waiver, the applicant is expected to submit payment for all required fees and can seek reimbursement for up to $10,000 through this program once the project receives Certificate of Occupancy from the Building Department. If the property owner's household earns a low-income or below as determined by the table above, the fee waiver can be applied to reduce fees before this stage.
For a minimum of 5 years. You will need to submit tenant income documentation annually and any lease agreement.
Acceptable income documentation includes the following and must be submitted to the County annually:
- a pay stub for the three most recent pay periods;
- an income tax return for the most recent tax year;
- an income verification form from the applicant's current employer;
- an income verification form from the Social Security Administration and/or the California Department of Social Services if the applicant receives assistance from either of such agencies; or
- if the applicant is unemployed and/or has no documentation, obtain another form of independent verification acceptable to the County.
Yes, you can rent the unit to a family member. However, if you received an affordability waiver, the family member's household must meet the income requirements.
A waiver does not require repayment unless the agreement's terms are violated, such as using the unit as a short-term rental.
Yes, an unpermitted unit can be legalized. You'll need to apply for a building permit with the Building & Safety Division and bring the unit up to current building, health, and safety codes. The fee waiver can be used to offset the costs of these permits and code compliance.
ADUMarin offers additional resources including one-on-one feasibility consultations, information on financing and loan options, lists of recommended vendors and pre-approved plans.