Accessory Dwelling Units

Keith Byrd

There is a new California law about granny units (aka accessory dwelling units (ADU)) that took effect this year. The major points of the new law are:

  1. No minimum lot size.
  2. Owner won’t have to live on site.
  3. Building height can reach 16 feet, even if it means blocking your neighbors’ view.
  4. Owners can build a “junior ADU” within the primary residence measuring up to 500 square feet – even if there’s already an ADU on the property.
  5. Garages can be converted into ADU’s.
  6. Local government must review a completed application within 60 days (previously 120 days).