Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU)

 An ADU is an accessory dwelling unit with complete independent living facilities (kitchen, bathroom and living /sleeping area) for one or more persons.

 What are the ADU advantages: 

• Provide housing for parent(s), adult children, grandchildren or other loved ones
• Cost effective way to add value and versatility to the home
• Provide a financially savvy way to create income as a rental and put money in the hands of homeowners. Eliminates all owner-occupancy requirements. Home owners can rent out the primary residence and the ADU.
• Improves housing affordability and diversity
• ADUs use existing infrastructure and housing stock making them environmentally friendly
• There are less regulatory constraints
• Conversion of accessory structures  (garages, sheds, barns) into ADUs is permitted.  

There are three types of ADUs:

• Attached: The unit is attached to the existing structure
• Detached: The unit is separate from the primary residence
• Converted Existing Space: Space (master bedroom or garage) within the primary residence that is converted into and individual living space.

California has taken great strides with new laws that make it easier and more economical to build an ADU on residential property, in part by limiting the development impact fees and relaxing zoning requirements.

What do ADU laws mean for HOAs?

HOAs cannot prohibit or unreasonably restrict the construction or use of an ADU on a lot zoned for single-family residential use.