With sky-high real estate prices in much of California and a shortage of housing, Accessory Dwelling Units, or ADUs as they are commonly called, provide a unique opportunity to address these issues and more. They can afford housing options for family members, friends, students, elderly, in-home health care providers, and others. They can provide rental income for homeowners. They integrate housing choices within established neighborhoods.
Recognizing the need for additional rental housing, two state statutes, SB 1069 and AB2299, went into effect January 1, 2017. These statutes address barriers to the development of ADUs and prohibit local government from adopting ordinances that precludes ADUs. Effective January 1, 2018 are SB 229 and AB 494 which clarify the previous statutes and promote the development of ADUs
Restrictive parking requirements used to stop many ADU plans in their track; no more. Utility connection fees were often based on new residential use; no more. ADUs must comply with local building code and safety requirements.
For more information, download information (here's one) from the California Department of Housing and Community Development and then the specific city involved.
Many cities have developed their own ordinances in compliance with the current rules, including:
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