Thanks to a new 2020 change in state law, California homeowners will have less restrictions when it comes to building
or developing their accessory dwelling units, or ADUs.
The regulation changes come six ADU-relayed bills that Governor Gavin Newsom
signed back in August in an effort by the California Legislature to combat
the high rent prices many residents are facing due to a lack of housing
units. Four of the bills became law on January 1.
Also known as “granny flats,” ADUs are extra spaces like garages
or backyard structures that homeowners convert into rental units for extra
rental income. Until now, there has been a lot of red tape surrounding
ADUs that have made it difficult for homeowners to build, including permits
and various fees that local governments require to slow construction.
Under the new law, the following will allow more Californians to develop
ADUs quicker and successfully:
- No minimum lot size
- Owners are not required to live on the site
- Buildings can reach 16 feet in height
- Owners can build an ADU within the primary residence measuring up to 500
square feet
- Garages may be converted into ADUs
- Local government must now review applications within 60 days of submission,
as opposed to 120 days
In addition, junior ADUs will be allowed to be built within the primary
residence, even if there’s already an ADU on the property.
“The construction of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) can help cities
meet their housing goals and increase the state’s affordable housing
supply,” Governor Newsom’s office stated in a press release.
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When applied to real estate law, “David & Goliath” situations
occur when an individual without any discernable power is pitted against
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