2024 Updates: Key Changes to California’s ADU Laws You Should Know

The ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) laws in California undergo new changes every year to address the state’s growing housing problems. In 2024, some major changes have been made to the laws related to ADUs that are extremely important for homeowners and real estate investors. These changes are aimed at making ADU construction easier, safer, and more environmentally friendly.

An ADU is a small residential unit located next to or near the main house. It can be used as a guest house, in-law unit, or rental apartment. In recent years, ADUs have grown in popularity as they offer a solution to the growing housing needs and also serve as a source of additional income for homeowners.

The new ADU laws introduced in 2024 not only simplify the process of building a new ADU but also bring many perks for owners of existing ADUs. This year’s laws have brought in major changes aimed at providing better home ownership opportunities to people from all walks of life. These changes allow homeowners to build more convenient and environmentally friendly ADUs.

The new laws have sped up the construction process and also improved provisions for fire safety, parking, and environmental sustainability. This will not only benefit homeowners, but will also prove to be beneficial for the society as a whole. Now, let’s understand these important law changes of 2024 in detail and know how you can benefit from them.

Two people discussing ADU regulations with home model on table

1. Changes in ADU size and height

The new ADU laws of 2024 have brought in major changes in size and height rules. While the size of ADUs was limited earlier, it has now been increased. Along with this, changes have also been made in the height rules, giving more flexibility to homeowners. These changes are especially beneficial for homeowners who want to make the most of their existing plot.

Increase in maximum size

The maximum size of an ADU has been increased to 1200 square feet under the new 2024 rules. Earlier, the size of an ADU was limited, which made it difficult for homeowners to design it according to their needs. Now, with larger ADUs being allowed, homeowners can design their units in a more convenient and wider space. This gives homeowners more options, and they can customize their units according to their needs.

Now homeowners can build an ADU of up to 1200 square feet, which is larger than ever before.
The problems that were faced due to limited space in the past will now be eliminated.
Larger ADUs will allow homeowners to avail more amenities and custom designs.

Change in height

Major changes have also been made to the ADU height rules in 2024. Now homeowners can get permission to build two-story ADUs, which was not possible earlier. This height increase option will prove to be extremely useful, especially in urban areas where land availability is limited. This change in height will not only promote the use of limited land but will also allow homeowners to make the most of their plot.

Two-storey ADUs can now be built legally, allowing maximum space utilization.
Earlier rules had height limits, but now homeowners will get more flexibility.
This option is extremely beneficial for urban areas where land is scarce.

2. Change in Parking Rules

The new ADU laws of 2024 also take into account parking requirements. Now, the parking requirement has been reduced or removed completely in certain circumstances. This will relieve homeowners of the worry of finding additional parking space, especially in urban areas where parking is scarce.

When parking is not required

As per the new laws, if your home is near public transport, you will not be required to provide separate parking space for the ADU. This will be a great convenience for homeowners, as parking is a big problem in urban areas. This change will prove to be very useful in areas where public transport is easily accessible.

Now parking will not be required in homes located near public transport.
This change is especially beneficial for urban areas, where parking space is difficult to find.
This will give homeowners the freedom to build ADUs without additional parking space.

Flexibility in parking requirements

Even in places where parking is still required, the new laws have provided more flexibility. Now homeowners can use alternative parking solutions, such as street parking or shared parking. This will provide relief to those who are building ADUs in limited spaces.

Flexibility in parking requirements now provides more options to homeowners.
Options like street parking or shared parking can be utilised.
This will help solve parking issues, especially where space is scarce.

3. New Fire Safety Norms

New fire safety rules have been added to the ADU laws of 2024 to ensure the safety of homeowners and their families. These changes have been implemented especially in areas where there is a high risk of fire. Making ADUs safe has now become a must with the new fire safety rules.

Fire Safety Requirements

It has now been made mandatory to install a fire sprinkler system in ADUs. This system helps in extinguishing the fire as soon as it is detected. Apart from this, homeowners have to use fire retardant materials in the construction of ADUs, which can reduce the chances of fire spreading.

Under the new laws, fire sprinkler systems will now be mandatory in every ADU.
The use of fire retardant materials will make the ADU even safer.
This will increase the safety of both the home and the family.

Emergency Evacuation Provisions

According to the new ADU laws of 2024, every ADU must now have clear provisions for emergency evacuation. This means that homeowners will be required to build more than one escape route in their ADU, so that they can get out safely in case of any emergency. This provision will ensure your safety in fire safety as well as other emergency situations.

Now ADU will have more than one route for emergency evacuation.
This step will ensure your safety in case of any emergency.
This provision will be beneficial in case of fire safety as well as other emergencies.

4. Improvement in plan approval process

The plan approval process for construction of ADU has been made even simpler and faster in 2024. Earlier this process was very long and complicated, due to which homeowners had to wait for several months. Now under the new laws, the approval process has been made more effective and timely.

Fast and simple approval

Now it will take less time to get approval for ADU. Local governments have been instructed to approve ADU construction plans within 60 days. This will not only save time but will also help homeowners start working on their plans quickly.

Now ADU plan approval will not take more than 60 days.
This move will complete the plan approval process faster.
This will help homeowners start their projects quickly.

Construction without special approval

Some areas will no longer require special approval to build an ADU. This rule applies to areas where there is a huge housing shortage. Homeowners in these areas can now start the process of ADU construction without complex approvals, saving both time and effort.

Some areas will no longer require special approval for an ADU.
This change is very beneficial for areas with a housing shortage.
This will allow homeowners to start construction directly without any complex process.

Collaboration on ADU planning with miniature home model

5. Environmental Impact and Sustainability

The ADU laws of 2024 have added some new provisions keeping environmental sustainability in mind. These provisions are aimed not only at helping homeowners build a modern and convenient ADU but also at ensuring that these units have the least negative impact on the environment.

Use of Environmentally Friendly Materials

The use of environmentally friendly materials has now been made mandatory in the construction of ADUs. This is aimed at ensuring that the construction process causes the least harm to the environment and reduces energy consumption. This will not only protect the environment but will also help homeowners save energy in the long run.

The use of environmentally friendly materials will now be mandatory in the construction of ADUs.
This will cause less harm to the environment and homeowners will be able to save energy.
This move will promote environmental protection and sustainability.

Mandatory Use of Solar Panels

As per the new laws of 2024, the use of solar panels has now been made mandatory in ADU construction. This move shows the responsibility of homeowners towards the environment and helps them save energy. The use of solar panels will reduce electricity consumption and this will also reduce the long-term electricity costs of homeowners.

Now the use of solar panels is mandatory in ADUs, which will save energy.
Solar panels will reduce electricity consumption and it is also good for the environment.
This will also reduce the electricity costs of homeowners.

The changes made to California ADU laws in 2024 bring new opportunities for homeowners. These changes not only make the construction process easier and faster but also help homeowners focus on safety, sustainability, and environmental friendliness.

New rules for ADU size and height, flexible parking options, strict fire safety norms, and environmentally friendly measures are the major highlights of these new laws. Homeowners can now build ADUs with more freedom and flexibility, making better use of their existing property.

Understanding and following these new rules properly will help you in ADU construction and prevent you from any kind of problems in the future. With these changes, you can not only increase the value of your property but also build a safe and environmentally conscious unit.

FAQs

Yes, as per the new laws of 2024, the use of solar panels in ADUs has become mandatory. This step has been taken to promote environmental sustainability and energy savings.

Yes, the new laws stipulate that the approval process for ADU construction be completed within 60 days, making the process faster and simpler than before.

Yes, ADUs are now required to have fire sprinkler systems to ensure immediate safety in case of a fire. This is part of the new fire safety norms.

No, parking requirements still exist in some areas, but if your home is close to public transport, you will not need to provide additional parking for your ADU.