LA County Approves $3.8M in ADU Grants for Altadena Fire Survivors

The program will provide direct grants to 35-50 qualifying homeowners to build accessory dwelling units in the Eaton Fire burn zone.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has unanimously approved $3.8 million in state grant funding to help homeowners in the Eaton Fire burn zone in Altadena build accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on their properties. The program, which will be implemented by San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity, aims to provide a new tool for recovery for households affected by the fire that leveled the community over 14 months ago.

Why it matters

The ADU grant program is part of the county's ongoing efforts to support fire recovery in Altadena, where rebuilding has been slow, with only 23 of nearly 6,000 significantly damaged residential properties completed as of late 2025. The ADUs can serve multiple purposes for fire survivors, including housing displaced family members, providing rental income, and offering long-term stability.

The details

The program will provide direct grants to between 35 and 50 qualifying homeowners in unincorporated areas, with priority given to properties within the Eaton Fire perimeter. The grants will cover both the cost of constructing the ADUs and limited administrative costs. The ADUs must be used as housing and kept affordable for middle-income households earning no more than 120% of the area median income for at least 10 years.

  • The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved the $3.8 million in grant funding on Tuesday, March 4, 2026.
  • The Eaton Fire occurred more than 14 months ago, leveling the Altadena community.
  • As of late 2025, only 23 of nearly 6,000 significantly damaged residential properties in the fire-affected unincorporated areas had completed all rebuilding and repairs.

The players

Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors

The governing body of Los Angeles County that unanimously approved the $3.8 million in state grant funding for the ADU program.

Kathryn Barger

The Los Angeles County Supervisor representing the 5th Supervisorial District, which includes Altadena and Pasadena, and who championed the ADU grant program.

San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity

The Monrovia-based nonprofit organization that will serve as the implementing partner for the ADU grant program.

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What they’re saying

“Eaton Fire survivors deserve support that helps them rebuild their lives. This program will provide direct financial assistance so homeowners can add safe, affordable housing on their property.”

— Kathryn Barger, Los Angeles County Supervisor (pasadenanow.com)

“ADUs can help house displaced family members, provide rental income to offset rebuilding costs and offer long-term stability.”

— Kathryn Barger, Los Angeles County Supervisor (pasadenanow.com)

What’s next

Eligibility requirements and application timelines for the ADU grant program have not yet been released, but are expected to be announced in the coming months.

The takeaway

The ADU grant program is a significant investment by Los Angeles County to support the long-term recovery of the Altadena community following the devastating Eaton Fire. By providing direct financial assistance to homeowners, the program aims to help fire survivors rebuild their lives and find stability through the construction of affordable accessory dwelling units.