What are Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)?
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are known by many names: granny flats, in-law units, backyard cottages, secondary units and more. No matter what you call them, ADUs are an innovative, affordable, effective option for adding much-needed housing in California.
What are the benefits of ADUs?
ADUs are an affordable type of home to construct in California because they do not require paying for land, major new infrastructure, structured parking, or elevators
ADUs can provide a source of income for some homeowners
ADUs are built with cost-effective wood frame construction, which is significantly less costly than homes in new multi family infill buildings.
ADUs allow extended family to be near one another while maintaining privacy.
ADUs can provide as much living space as many newly-built apartments and condominiums, and they are suited well for couples, small families, friends, young people, and seniors.
ADUs give homeowners the flexibility to share independent living areas with family members and others, allowing seniors to age in place as they require more care.
Laws Effective January 1, 2018
Recent state legislation provides clarification and fee assistance for the creation of ADUs. Governor Brown signed two seperate bills on October 8,2017. SB 229 (Wierckowski) and AB 494 (Bloom).
These bills, effective January 1,2018, clarify and improve various provisions of the law to promote the development of ADUs, including allowing ADUs to be built concurrently with a single-family uses, modifying fees from utilities, such as special districts and water corporations, and reducing parking requirements.
Other Recent Updates to State Laws for ADUs
State legislation that took effect January 1, 2017 gave California cities more flexibility and latitude for allowing homeowners to build ADUs. Three separate bills were introduced and signed by Governor Brown. Each of these land use bills make it easier than ever for homeowners to take advantage of this attractive opportunity.
