Accessory dwelling units should be easier to build in California, but the process is still slow and complicated in many cities, say housing advocates.
California state legislation easing the red tape and lowering the costs of building accessory dwelling units was supposed to spur construction and help with the state’s affordable housing crisis. But, many local municipalities have been slow to get ADU developments moving along, reports Louis Hansen:
Many more residents are requesting applications for ADUs than actually getting construction permits to build, [David] Garcia said. Homeowners often still find the process daunting and filled with unexpected costs. They report getting conflicting guidance from local planners and being hit with high fees for local services and schools.
Housing advocates and developers want cities to do more to help homeowners who want to build the units. The California Renters Legal Advocacy and Education Fund has filed a lawsuit against San Francisco alleging that zoning ordinances prohibit ADUs on most properties in the city and the discretionary review process can hold up projects indefinitely.
While some cities are resisting the ADU changes, Hansen writes that others are pushing forward. For example, San Jose eased zoning restrictions last year, and ADU construction is now permitted on many more lots in the city.
FULL STORY: Building a Bay Area granny flat still challenging
San Francisco’s Housing Woes: How the Past Informs the Present
A zoning history dating back to the 19th century still has significant impacts on the city’s housing in the present day.
Berkeley Launches ADU Amnesty Program
Owners of unpermitted accessory dwelling units can bring their units up to code and obtain certificates of compliance without facing penalties.
How Cities Can Support ADU Production
Although state-level laws are making it easier for homeowners to build accessory dwelling units, high impact and development fees remain a major barrier for many prospective ADU builders.
National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions
Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.
Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50
A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.
Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes
Republican and Democrat lawmakers criticize the plan for its disproportionate negative impact on rural communities.
Test News Post 1
This is a summary
Test News Headline 46
Test for the image on the front page.
Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species
The National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap uses GIS technology and land management strategies to balance military training with conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
EMC Planning Group, Inc.
Planetizen
Planetizen
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service