California's New Accessory Dwelling Unit Having an Effect in Monterey

"Monterey City Council revisited a half-century-old ban on building and renting out second units in 2016, and despite a well-documented housing shortage, voted to uphold that ban," according to an article by Nick Rahaim.

But a new state law, signed into law in September of this year, "is forcing the city to change course," reports Rahaim. Now "the Monterey Planning Commission will hold public comment on a proposed ordinance to accommodate the new state law" in November, with council action expected before the end of the year. Liam Dillon reported at the time of the bill's approval that it was "aimed at forcing local governments to approve the secondary housing units."

Monterey's new ordinance, resulting from the state law's influence, "would allow accessory dwellings in homes and existing detached structures in single-family neighborhoods to be converted to residences then rented out. A building permit and water credits would be required, but not additional parking…."