New ADU Laws and Regulations 

November 2, 2019

A one-bedroom carriage house style accessory dwelling unit (ADU) off an alley.


The new ADU legislation taking effect on January 1, 2020 is a game changer for the ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) movement.


Here is a brief summary of the changes:
  • Removes owner occupancy requirement
  • Homeowners can have two ADUs on their property – standard ADU and a junior ADU (JADU)
  • Eliminates restrictions on lot size
  • Replacement parking is no longer required
  • Reduces Impact fees
  • Reduces building setback requirements
  • Cities cannot restrict the maximum ADU size to less than 850 sf
  • Increases opportunities to build ADUs on multi-family zoned properties

Yes, But, What Does This Mean?


These new laws are designed to make it easier for more homeowners to add ADUs to their properties. We need more housing in California and ADUs can be part of the solution.

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