To provide relief for California’s housing shortfall, the state expanded its Code of Regulations, effective January 01, 2020, to allow Accessory Dwelling Units or ADUs on many single and multifamily residential properties that did not previously qualify. As of that date, municipalities have had to update their own ADU ordinances to comply with the new California law or the state law governs. In addition to relaxing requirements for setbacks, lot coverage, floor area ratio, parking and other requirements, one major benefit is the fact that an ADU designed to the new standards set forth by the state is not subject to any local discretionary (read Planning Department) approval. This results in an easier, more streamlined and less expensive permitting process.

Single family-zoned residential properties are now allowed one ADU of up to 800 sf and one JADU (Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit) of up to 500 sf. For properties zoned multifamily residential it is now possible to add at least one ADU (and incredibly, up to 25% of the total unit count on site) by converting existing portions of multifamily structures currently used as non-livable space into new ADUs. This includes carports, garages, storage and mechanical rooms, attics or basements. Additionally, properties with underutilized open space may also add up to two freestanding ADUs with a maximum of 1,200 sf each that are not attached to any existing structures but may be attached to each other. Parking does not have to be provided for new multifamily ADUs within a half mile of public transit— existing covered parking may even be converted to new ADUs and not replaced with new parking elsewhere on site.

EBA jumped on the ADU train in late 2019 and we have become quite adept at navigating the new rules and ADU ordinances of many Bay Area cities. We have designed several attached and detached multifamily ADUs that are currently in the
permitting and construction phases. Let us help you to maximize your property’spotential.