Great Barrington — The Great Barrington Affordable Housing Trust Fund (AHTF), in partnership with the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission (BRPC), is now accepting applications for its Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Program. The program helps local homeowners create affordable rental housing on their own property for local long-term renters, with the goal of increasing affordable housing options in Great Barrington.

An ADU is a small, independent living space located on the same property as a main house, with its own kitchen, bathroom, and living area. It can be a separate structure or part of the main house and can then be rented out at affordable rates to give renters access to reasonably priced housing.

The program offers eligible homeowners a zero percent interest loan to help build or improve an ADU. If the ADU remains rented to income-eligible tenants for 10 years, the loan is fully forgiven. Renter income eligibility is capped at 100 percent of the Area Median Income, based on household size; in Great Barrington, a two-person household can earn up to $90,320 and remain eligible. Income limits apply only to ADU tenants, not to the homeowner or applicant.

Applicants must be eligible to vote in Great Barrington and submit a detailed budget, financial plan, information on potential additional funding sources, and a design plan. Applications are due by Friday, November 20. For more information or to apply, visit BRPC’s website.

Questions about the program can be directed to Brett Roberts at broberts@berkshireplanning.org.

This article is available at The Berkshire Edge.