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SB 1211 & Its impact on the ADU scene in California

SB 1211 is expected to transform the whole ADU scene for good. After all, this bill is expected to bring some major positive changes in construction and housing.

SB 1211 is expected to transform the whole ADU scene for good. After all, this bill is expected to bring some major positive changes in construction and housing. Moreover, ADUs have been seen as a savior amid the ongoing housing crisis. But is it really true? And how does this bill impact the supply of these dwelling units? Well, you are about to find out everything about it. This blog is all about the key takeaways for the senate bill 1211.

What is SB 1211?

Sb 1211 is a legislation that aims to streamline and promote the construction of Accessory Dwelling Units. The main reason for doing so is to make affordable housing accessible for California residents. Moreover, the authorities are so focused on the growth of the ADU market because of its potential to be well-roundedly beneficial. Undoubtedly, this bill will open a lot of new opportunities for homeowners, contractors, as well as tenants.

“SB 1211 was signed by the Governor of California on September 19, 2024.”

This is a very recent progress and people are expecting a lot of good changes with its implementation. If you are interested in ADUs, it is always better to talk to a real estate professional first. Remember, expert guidance always comes in handy for the right decision making.

SB 1211 & Its Impact on ADU Projects!

As aforementioned, Senate bill 1211 has brought significant positive changes upon the ADU projects in California. Let’s look at this through a more detailed approach. Here are some of the major changes that the passing of this bill has brought with it:

1. Approvals & Permits

The bill streamlined the whole approval and permit process for ADUs. After all, local agencies now don’t require discretionary review to approve an ADU permit. Also, applications for ADU construction must be approved within the specific timeline of 60 days (in most cases).

2. Offstreet Parking

This is another major update in ADU development and housing. According to the senate bill 1211, the homeowners can convert their carport or any parking structure (covered or uncovered) into an ADU. For this, the local agencies won’t require any replacement of offstreet parking spaces.

3. Multifamily Dwelling Structures

Another big shift was the allowance of ADUs within multifamily structures. For this, the local agencies must allow at least one ADU within an existing multifamily property. Also, you can now convert 25% of your existing multifamily dwelling units into ADUs. This will allow property owners to better utilize their vacant spaces. When making decisions regarding your multifamily property, always consult a professional like Evelyn Baez.

4. Development Requirements

SB 1211 has allowed local agencies to have specific, measurable, and predictable standards for the development of ADUs. This is to ensure a consistent construction process. Moreover, these standards cover the following aspects:

  • Parking requirements
  • Height restrictions
  • Setback requirements
  • Landscape requirements
  • Architectural review
  • Maximum size of a unit

5. Floor Area Limitations

ADUs are secondary units. And to differentiate them from the primary property the senate bill 1211 has set specific floor area limitations. Moreover, these include the following:

  • The total floor area of a detached ADU should not be over 800 square feet.
  • The floor area of an ADU within the existing primary property must not exceed 50% of its total floor area.
  • Larger Accessory Dwelling Units have an alternate floor area limit of around 1200 square feet.

6. Setback Requirements

To simplify the development of ADUs, the bill has implemented major changes to the setback requirements. You should also know that the bill requires a setback of no more than four feet from the side and rear lot lines. Furthermore, it eliminates the need of a passageway or a corridor along with the construction of an ADU. This makes it easier to add an ADU into the existing property.

7. Rental Terms for ADUs

Homeowners must offer ADU rentals for longer than 30 days. This means that ADUs cannot be rented out on a short-term basis through platforms like Airbnb. This way, the bill has emphasized on the use of ADUs for long-term purposes.

8. Impact Fees for ADUs

According to the bill, local agencies can not impose impact fees for ADUs less than 750 square feet in area. Moreover, the impact fee becomes directly proportional to the square footage of the primary property. This helps shed off the financial burden on property owners seeking ADU construction.

Conclusion

Are you a homeowner? Or maybe an ADU developer? Or a tenant? In all cases, keeping up with the latest legal updates is a must. After all, legislation like SB 1211 can transform the whole setting of ADU construction and housing. Moreover, authorities and citizens expect this recently passed bill to have a positive impact on California real estate and housing. This is so because it has made the whole procedure of ADU development and housing way simpler than before.

About the Author

Evelyn Baez Nguyen is a multi-family specialist at Lyon Stahl Investment Real Estate in El Segundo California.

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