KINGSTON, NY - Ulster County, in partnership with RUPCO, is pleased to announce the launch of Round 3 of the Plus One Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Program, now open on a first-come, first-served basis to homeowners who earn up to 100% of area median income (AMI).

The program provides grants of up to $112,500 to construct or rehabilitate ADUs — whether attached units like basement apartments or detached units such as backyard cottages or garage conversions. In return, participants agree to rent the unit at an aff ordable rate for a minimum of 10 years and commit to not using the unit as a short-term rental.

Homeowners are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, as funding will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. While previous rounds were limited to select municipalities, Round 3 is open countywide. The program website includes an “Additional Resources” section with ADU requirements by municipality and a guidebook to help residents plan their projects.

For more information and to apply, visit the Plus One ADU Program page on RUPCO’s website: https://rupco.org/plusone

“ADUs are a great housing solution that we encourage to expand aff ordable housing opportunities in our communities,” said County Executive Jen Metzger. “The Plus One Program can significantly reduce the upfront costs for homeowners who might not otherwise be able to aff ord construction of an ADU. With Round 3 now open countywide, I encourage eligible homeowners across Ulster County to apply and take advantage of this opportunity and earn some additional income while creating much-needed housing in their own communities.”

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The Plus One ADU Program has already made a significant impact, with approximately 54 grants awarded through Rounds 1 and 2. Of those, five ADUs are complete or near complete, and 10 more are currently under construction, helping homeowners create safe, aff ordable, and code-compliant housing options on their properties.

In addition to the Plus One Program, the County now also off ers a five-year property tax exemption on the value of the capital improvements from construction of an ADU to further support homeowners, provided the ADU is not used as a short-term rental.

For more information about the Plus One ADU Program, visit https://participate.ulstercountyny.gov/plus-one.