Accessory Dwelling Units / In-Law Units Encouraged by New Laws
An ADU, previously known as “in-law” units or “granny flats,” are additional living spaces on single-family lots that have a separate kitchen, bathroom, and exterior access independent of the primary residence. Two bills, SB-1069 and AB-2299 were recently enacted amending provisions of the Government Code, and generally encouraging the building of ADU’s. These bills require local governments to permit property owners to build ADUs in single-family and multifamily residential zones, so long as the ADU meets specific standards defined in the bill. Those standards include, but are not limited to, parking, height, setback, lot coverage, landscape, architectural review, and maximum size of a unit. As long as the standards are met, local cities and counties are required to approve the ADU. Property owners, who are interested in adding an ADU to their property, should consult with their local building or planning department and an attorney.
– All Rights Reserved © 2017 by Michael L. Mau, Esq. and The Mau Law Firm
