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Anticipating Repairs Costs in Unpermitted Garage Conversions

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Our Get Healthy SMC partner, Rebuilding Together Peninsula (RTP) began renovations on one of four red-tagged garage conversions that had many building and fire code violations and expects to bring the unit up to code as a permitted bedroom by Thanksgiving. Through this pilot project, RTP is finding that what triggered the initial code enforcement violation is minor compared to major structural issues or health hazards uncovered when the units are properly converted in compliance with local planning, building, and fire codes. Creating healthy and safe affordable rental units is an important path to advancing stable housing. RTP is also helping low-income homeowners anticipate the renovation costs and plan appropriately for repairs. The pilot project is a partnership of RTP, the City of East Palo Alto, City Systems, and Faith in Action.