Background

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)

Formerly known as “second dwelling units” or “granny units,” the current term is Accessory Dwelling Units. State law has removed barriers to Accessory Units for the purpose of encouraging creation of more affordable housing statewide. The laws make Accessory Dwelling Unit permits cheaper and easier to get by preventing local agencies from requiring separate water and sewer connections in converted units, by limiting the review period to a maximum of 120 days, and by removing the minimum parcel size requirement.

Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADUs)

State law also allows cities and counties to permit a new type of housing called a “Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit.”

Together, these laws reduce physical and financial barriers to creating accessory dwelling units which support the “Housing First Model” adopted by both the State and Sonoma County.