Field Study on ADUs and Latino/x Homeowners in Napa and Sonoma Counties

Author: Renée J. Schomp, Director

Interested in hearing what Latino/x homeowners in Napa and Sonoma Counties have to say about building ADUs here in our community? If so, check out the field study we commissioned recently conducted on the topic, Casitas Para Más Vecinos/Houses for More Neighbors: Accessory Dwelling Units and Latino/x Homeowners in Napa and Sonoma Counties.

The goal of the field study is to inform the Napa Sonoma ADU Center initiative about how it can further deepen its support for Latino/x homeowners across the 16 jurisdictions in Napa and Sonoma Counties.

The housing affordability crisis in Napa and Sonoma Counties has significantly increased the cost of living, disproportionately affecting Latino/x residents and communities of color. This crisis builds upon decades of historically discriminatory lending practices and housing policies, and other structural inequities. 

ADUs can increase financial stability for homeowners by increasing their property value and can also generate additional income for the homeowner via rental revenue. The construction of ADUs also increases housing affordability in our community, as ADUs typically rent at about 80% of regular market rate for rental housing. By ensuring we support Latino/x homeowners and all homeowners in building ADUs, the Napa Sonoma ADU Center seeks to help build much-needed homes while simultaneously increasing equity in our community.

Initially commissioned as an internal resource for our nonprofit Napa Sonoma ADU Center to build upon its existing model in order to continue to improve services geared towards Latino/x homeowners, the lessons learned and market findings in this field study proved so useful that we decided to publish this document so as to share the useful insights it contains with others in the field.