ADU's in California

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), also known as granny flats or in-law units, are secondary housing units located on the same lot as a primary residence. In California, ADUs have become increasingly popular as a way to address the state's housing shortage and provide affordable housing options.

The current situation with ADUs in California is that they are in high demand, and the state has implemented a number of policies to encourage their construction. In 2020, the state government passed a series of laws aimed at making it easier and less expensive for homeowners to build ADUs. These laws include:

1. The elimination of impact fees for ADUs up to 750 square feet in size.

2. The ability to build ADUs on lots zoned for single-family homes, regardless of local zoning ordinances.

3. The allowance of ADUs up to 1,200 square feet in size, depending on the size of the primary residence.

4. The streamlining of the permitting process for ADUs.

These policy changes have led to a significant increase in ADU construction in California. According to a report by the Terner Center for Housing Innovation at UC Berkeley, there were 12,000 ADUs permitted in California in 2019, a 64% increase from the previous year.

In terms of the types of structures being built, there is a wide variety of ADU designs in California. Some common types include:

1. Detached ADUs: These are separate structures that are not attached to the primary residence. They can be built as standalone units, or as part of a larger backyard cottage or studio.

2. Attached ADUs: These are units that are attached to the primary residence, such as a converted garage or basement.

3. Junior ADUs: These are small units that are built within the existing footprint of the primary residence, such as a converted bedroom or bathroom.

4. Prefabricated ADUs: These are factory-built units that are transported to the site and assembled on-site. They can be either detached or attached.

Overall, the ADU trend in California is providing much-needed housing options for residents, and is likely to continue growing in popularity in the coming years.