CANDO ADU Project

We offer hands-on support with planning, building, and renting your own Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)

Detached ADU

Also Known As “Stand Alone Unit”

Attached ADU

Shares A Wall With Primary Residence

Junior ADU

Also Known As “Garage Conversions”

What is an ADU?

An ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) is a small, independent home on the same property as a main house. It can be attached to the main house or stand alone and includes a kitchen and a full or partial bathroom.

HOMEOWNERS WE HAVE ASSISTED

BENEFITS OF BUILDING AN ADU:

  • Keep Family Close – ADUs provide a private yet connected space for aging parents, adult children, or relatives, making multigenerational living easier.

  • More Housing, Stronger Community – Creating an ADU helps provide affordable housing for local teachers, nurses, and service workers, keeping the community diverse and vibrant.

  • Aging in Place – Homeowners can downsize into an ADU while renting out their main home, allowing them to stay in their neighborhood and maintain independence.

  • Enhanced Safety – Having a tenant or family member on the property adds an extra layer of security and peace of mind.

ADU Interest Form
Please complete this form, and a member of the EPACANDO ADU Team will contact you with more information. // Por favor, completa este formulario y un miembro del equipo de EPACANDO ADU se pondrá en contacto contigo con más información.

HOW WE CAN HELP:

EMPOWRING HOMEOWNERS,

ONE UNIT AT A TIME 

Since launching our ADU Program, EPACANDO has supported over 120 homeowners through every stage of the ADU journey—from planning and permitting to financing and construction. Homeowners come to us at all phases of their projects, and we tailor our support to meet their needs.

In addition to one-on-one assistance, we’ve hosted 20+ educational workshops to help community members learn what it takes to build an ADU in East Palo Alto. These efforts have led to the successful completion of 15 ADUs across the city.

Through the CalHome ADU Loan Program, two homeowners received funding and successfully completed construction this summer. Read their stories below to see how ADUs are creating new housing and helping families stay rooted in our community.

Moore's ADU

Motivation: The ADU was illegally built by the previous homeowner and Mr Moore wanted to legalize it since his family is growing and they need the extra space. Rather than tearing it down, he collaborated with EPACANDO and the city to bring it up to code.

Key Takeaway: “I’m not a builder, so it was tough at times. But thanks to the help I received—from the City, EPACANDO, and the CalHome program—I got through it. They walked with me every step of the way, especially when things got complicated. I’m proud of what we built.”

Outcome: Detached 1Bed/1Bath ADU 500sqft (~$135k)

Latu's ADU

Motivation: Mr. Latu decided to build an ADU as a way to generate additional income and prepare for retirement. With rising living costs and limited fixed income options, the unit offers him financial stability and flexibility in the years ahead.

Key Takeaway: Mr. Latu shared that building an ADU was more challenging than he expected—“I thought it would be easy, but once I started, it was like having a second job.” Still, he’s glad he took a hands-on approach, which gave him control over costs like materials, finishes, and appliances, ultimately helping him save money.

Outcome: Attached 1Bed/1Bath ADU 650sqft (~$185k)

ORGANIZATIONAL PARTNERS

EPACANDO collaborates closely with City staff and has partnered with City Systems for this project. City Systems, a nonprofit consultancy founded in 2017 by Derek Ouyang and Rob Best, develops data-driven urban solutions in partnership with governments, industry, and academia. Their work focuses on sustainability, resilience, and equity through interdisciplinary projects in Northern California.