California's Rules Governing Accessory Dwelling Units
In California, ca are becoming a core part of the state's housing strategy. These separate homes, located on the same lot as the primary residence, come equipped with a kitchen, bathroom, and private entrance.
The California Department of Housing and Community Development defines an ca, and the state's housing law mandates that all cities and municipalities must have a pre-approved ca plan scheme in place by January 1, 2025, as per Assembly Bill 1332.
The regulations surrounding ca are designed to expand housing options while maintaining safety and livability. Detached ca can't be denied due to setbacks and have a maximum of four-foot side and rear setbacks. The default maximum height for ca is 16 feet, but it can be raised in certain areas.
California lawmakers are discussing proposals to make it easier for homeowners to get loans for ca construction and to handle parking, utilities, and emergency access in neighbourhoods with added density.
Staying updated on legislative changes is important for homeowners planning, funding, and using their ca. AB 434 requires one of the units of the ca or the main house to be owner-occupied, while AB 2221 limits the time cities can hold a ca application to 60 days once all required documents are submitted.
New measures on financing, multifamily density, and pre-approved plans will further shape how ca are planned and built. Single-family lots can usually add one ca, and multifamily properties may be able to add multiple conversion units and as many as two detached ca.
Almost all residential lots qualify for ca construction. In California, ca must be at least 150 square feet and can be up to 1,200 square feet in gross floor area, with some exceptions allowing up to 800 square feet depending on floor area ratio and existing dwelling units. ca must comply with setbacks, height limits, and zoning regulations, and can be detached or attached, including garage conversions or above-garage units.
California allows ca garage conversions. Starting in 2025, SB 1211 allows property owners to build up to eight detached ca on qualifying multifamily lots, provided the total doesn't exceed the existing number of units.
Cities must approve ca that meet their written rules through a ministerial review. To simplify the process, AB 1003 requires cities to create libraries of ready-made ca designs, which are already vetted for zoning and safety.
Moreover, AB 1033 allows cities to permit accessory dwelling units (ca) to be sold independently from the primary home, but only where local governments enact ordinances to adopt it.
As the landscape of housing in California continues to evolve, staying informed about ca and the legislative changes surrounding them is crucial for homeowners and property developers alike.
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