what is an accessory dwelling unit (adu)?
an adu is a small free-standing or attached structure that property owners can construct and lease as rental units. they are typically less than 1,000 feet and are often called "secondary units," "granny flats," "in-law suites" or "cottages."
what are the benefits of building an adu?
constructing an adu can prove beneficial in the following ways:
- adds overall value to the existing residence
- offers homeowners the opportunity to generate extra income
- has less of an environmental impact than other housing options
- decreases the need to expand infrastructure (ex. roads)
- allows neighborhoods to grow without drastically changing their overall character
what are the recently passed adu bills that i should know about?
the following bills apply to property owners across california:
- ab-68 (ting): restricts how often a city can say no when a homeowner applies for permits to build adu's that are less than 850 square feet in size and 16 feet in height. homeowners will also have the option to add a second in-law unit on the property if there is space to build the unit at least 4 feet away from property lines. in other words, a single family home can turn into a triplex.
- sb-13 (wieckowski): a combination of ab-68 and ab-881, sb-13 specifically addresses issues associated with high permit fees and other barriers concerning adu development. sp-13 waives local impact fees on adu's that are less than 750 square feet and will decrease fees for units that exceed that size. for 5 years, owners of adus are also no longer required to live in the main dwelling while renting out the adu, allowing a landlord to rent out both the main and accessory unit.
- sb-330 (skinner): also referred to as the "housing crisis act of 2019," sb-330 generally bans housing construction moratoriums, bars local governments from decreasing the amount of homes that can be built, and reduces the amount of time it takes to obtain a building permit.
what was once a time-consuming and financially burdensome venture for homeowners transformed into a simpler, more streamlined, and economical investment. homeowners across the state will now face reduced barriers and greater opportunities with regard to adu development. if you are a homeowner who is considering an adu, check out our resources on renting out residential property.
this article contains general legal information and does not contain legal advice. 2022世界杯32强抽签时间 is not a law firm or a substitute for an attorney or law firm. the law is complex and changes often. for legal advice, please ask a lawyer.
