AMADOR COUNTY • CALAVERAS COUNTY • MARIPOSA COUNTY • NEVADA COUNTY

Invest in your family and community by building an ADU

MOTHER LODE ADU is here to guide you on your accessory dwelling unit journey, no matter where you are in the process. Download our free Guidebook to learn more.

Mother Lode ADU will guide you on your journey.

Mother Lode ADU is a new partnership between Amador, Calaveras, Mariposa, and Nevada counties created to help homeowners in our region build an ADU.

Building an ADU can be overwhelming. Our resources help you find inspiration, navigate the process, and build your ideal ADU.

What is an Accessory Dwelling Unit?

ADUs are:

ADUs are not:*

*In most cases – there may be some exceptions in your county, so speak with staff to verify. 

Building an ADU is an Investment that will grow with you and your family over time

Housing Family

Rental income

A home as you age

Property value

Safety

Local support

The ADU Process

From your first ADU ideas to setting out the welcome mat, we have everything you need. Follow the links for each phase to get step-by-step details and resources.

The Timeline

Typical ADU projects take 12-24 months from initial conception through construction.

adus in your community

Sue, Kathy, and Barb

Grass Valley
A Perfect Place for Mom
When my wife Barb and I bought this property I wanted my mom Kathy to move closer so we could care for her as she ages, and there was a...

adus in your community

Rosemary

Nevada City
Confidence from Extra Income
My family has been in this area for generations. They owned a jewelry store in Grass Valley during the Gold Rush, and when my mom and aunt visited to learn...

adus in your community

Richard

Nevada City
Flexible Housing for Family
My family has lived here for seven generations, so this community has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. I studied architecture in New York,...

adus in your community

Gail

Mariposa
Stability for Local Workers
I raised my children in El Portal where I worked as a teacher, before moving to Mariposa where I still teach, and lead the Yosemite Songwriting Retreat. I bought a...

Welcome to Mother Lode ADU

More coming soon!

Some of our resources are still in progress – check back frequently to see new features!

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