Tucson implements technical assistance program for homeowners

TUCSON, AZ – The Housing and Community Development Department (HCD) has created a pilot program that will provide financial and technical assistance to low-income homeowners in the City of Tucson to improve an existing accessory dwelling unit (ADU) or accessory structure that can be converted to an ADU on owner-occupied property.

This program will only serve Tucson residents with an annual gross income at or below 80% of the Area Median Income. For example, a family of three has an income limit of $49,450, a family of four will be capped at $54,900 and a limit of $59,300 for a family of five.

The property must be located within the city limits; the owner must live in the dwelling; the mortgage and property tax payments must be current and the ADU must be permitted or be in the City of Tucson’s ADU Amnesty Program.

The ADU assistance program is only available to households with $20,000 or less in liquid assets. Applicants exceeding the asset limit will not be eligible for assistance.

In addition, the City Council reported that possible rehabilitation projects to improve an existing ADU include installation/replacement of sewer, water, gas and electrical lines, kitchen and bathroom rehabs, among other on-site rehabs. The program will not be intended for new construction or for total renovation.