The preliminary application period will end November 30, 2024. All applications will be reviewed after the application period ends; applying early does not impact applicant selection.
- City Officials
- Mary Zendejas1st District
- Cindy Allen2nd District
- Kristina Duggan3rd District
- Daryl Supernaw4th District
- Megan Kerr5th District
- Suely Saro6th District
- Roberto Uranga7th District
- Al Austin8th District
- Dr. Joni Ricks-Oddie9th District
- Dawn McIntoshCity Attorney
- Laura L. DoudCity Auditor
- Doug HaubertCity Prosecutor
- Tom ModicaCity Manager
- Monique DeLaGarzaCity Clerk
- Services
- Businesses
- Residents
- Visitors
- Departments
- Jobs
Mayor
City Council
Rex Richardson
Mary Zendejas
1st District
Cindy Allen
2nd District
Kristina Duggan
3rd District
Daryl Supernaw
4th District
Megan Kerr
5th District
Suely Saro
6th District
Roberto Uranga
7th District
Al Austin
8th District
Dr. Joni Ricks-Oddie
9th District
Dawn McIntosh
City Attorney
Laura L. Doud
City Auditor
Doug Haubert
City Prosecutor
Tom Modica
City Manager
Monique DeLaGarza
City Clerk
City-Wide Elected Officials
Appointed Officials
Departments
Community Development
- LBCD Home
- About Us
- Services
- Building Permits
- Building & Safety Fee Schedule
- Construction Code Resources and Documents
- Deputy Inspector Program
- Online Permits
- Plan Review Status/Permit Status/Records
- Planning/Zoning
- Planning Fee Schedule
- Planning Permits
- Program for Building Projects
- Project Plan Review and Submittal Service
- Schedule Building Inspection
- Resources & Forms
- Programs & Projects
- Maps
Permitting/Planning
What is the Backyard Builders Program?
The Backyard Builders Program offers comprehensive assistance for financing, designing, permitting and constructing an ADU to ten eligible Long Beach property owners interested in renting their ADU to income-qualified individuals at an affordable rent for a minimum of five years.
- NO-INTEREST FINANCING
Up to $250,000 loan with 0% interest as long as the unit is rented at an affordable rate to qualified tenants. - FREE PROJECT MANAGEMENT & TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
A City-appointed project manager will assist the property owners at every stage of the project and provide guidance with choosing the architect, builders, planners, and contractors as well as with permits needed for ADU design and construction. - OTHER BENEFITS
- An additional revenue stream through rental income while increasing the value of your home
- Provides much needed affordable housing in your neighborhood
View the Program Guidelines for full information
- Backyard Builders Program Guidelines (English)
- Backyard Builders Program Guidelines (Spanish)
- Backyard Builders Program Guidelines (Tagalog)
- Backyard Builders Program Guidelines (Khmer)
Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to attend an upcoming information session before applying to learn more about the Program:
- Saturday, October 19, 2024. 10 AM – 11:30 AM
Cesar Chavez Park – 401 Golden Avenue, Long Beach
RSVP - Thursday, October 24, 2024. 6 PM – 7:30 PM
Long Beach Energy Resources Auditorium – 2400 East Spring Street, Long Beach
RSVP
All information sessions will present the same information. Translation will be provided in Spanish and other languages by request.
How To Apply
Video Presentation
Backyard Builders ADU Loan Program Information Session
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Must be the owner and full-time occupant of the property.
- Credit score minimum – 650
- Debt-to-Income ratio minimum – 48%
- Includes future ADU loan debt and projected income.
- Property owner must be willing to attend any educational sessions about ADU development and property management and work with an assigned project manager.
- Property owner must demonstrate availability of funds if they intend to exceed the City maximum loan amount of $250,000. All funds must be deposited into an escrow account and used before the City funds.
- Four units or less on the property, before the ADU is constructed.
- Current on mortgage and property tax payments.
- Current homeowner’s insurance policy (required before loan execution)
- Loan-to-Value minimum – 75%
- Total debt on the property must be less than 75% of the current home value.
- Projects may apply for financing at any point up to Certificate of Occupancy. The City will not reimburse property owners for any costs incurred before the City loan is executed.
- The City will not approve more than one program loan per property parcel.
Property owners who agree to rent their ADU to someone with a housing voucher are given first priority. Second priority, should funding be available, will be given to property owners interested in renting their units to low-income individuals, defined as those earning 80% or less of the area median income, in which case the tenant may be a family member, caregiver, or other related person. See table in the question below for estimated maximum rent for the two tenant categories.
The Housing Authority of the City Long Beach will determine the approved rent for each ADU that is rented to a tenant with a housing voucher in accordance with federal guidelines. This includes multiple factors, including federal Payment Standards, tenant affordability, utility allowances, and comparisons with similar units' rental rates in the area.
See table for example.
Studio | 1-bedroom | 2-bedroom | |
Tenant with housing voucher in 90815 zip code* | $2,266 | $2,563 | $3,245 |
Low-income tenant without voucher | $1,031 | $1,178 | $1,326 |
Tenant with Housing Voucher |
Low-income Tenant without Voucher |
|
Construction Cost* | $250,000 | $250,000 |
City Loan | $250,000 | $250,000 |
Interest Rate during affordability term | 0% | 0% |
Loan Term | 30 years | 30 years |
Estimated Rent income | $2,563 | $1,178 |
Monthly Loan Payment | $747 | $747 |
Estimated Monthly Operating Costs* (insurance, taxes, maintenance) | $420 | $420 |
Estimated Monthly Cash Flow After Payments | $1,396 | $11 |
ADU Resources
Other Resources
- Napa Sonoma ADU Workbook - a helpful resource published by Napa Sonoma ADU
Contact
Please direct any questions to the contact below:
Kelli Pezzelle, Community Program Specialist
562.570.7073
CD-ADULoan@longbeach.gov
411 West Ocean Blvd., 3rd Floor
Long Beach, CA 90802
562.570.LBCD (5223)