Backyard cottages, known as accessory dwelling units, are touted as one solution to the rising cost of housing.
Writing for KCRA, Maricela De La Cruz reports that “In Sacramento County, ADU permits nearly tripled from 2021 to 2022, and last year alone, 237 units were completed in the region, according to data from the California Department of Housing and Community Development.”
A spokesperson for the county said “they don't know why there's been a sharp increase in ADU permits, but suspect it could be due to high rent and the need for more affordable housing.”
At the state level, two proposed bills could further boost ADU construction in California. “Assembly Bill 1033 would allow cities to decide whether property owners can sell ADUs separately, and Assembly Bill 976 would permanently ban local ordinances that require property owners to live in their ADUs and allow them to rent out the properties.”
FULL STORY: Sacramento County sees sharp increase in Accessory Dwelling Unit permits amid CA housing crisis
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Owners of unpermitted accessory dwelling units can bring their units up to code and obtain certificates of compliance without facing penalties.
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