California Accessory Dwelling Unit Handbook January 2025

We receive a lot of questions about ADUs since we started doing ToddTalks to educate property owners on how to go about planning for, designing and building an ADU. If you re in the preliminary stages of considering building an ADU, we recommend that you start with the resources listed below.

Important points to remember are that California ADU state law supersedes local ordinances when there is a conflict, requires ministerial approval of ADU and JADU applications within 60 days; authorizes ADUs on lots with multifamily buildings; and no longer requires owners to live on the property (for ADUs only).

• webpage created by the California Department of Housing and Community Development that has lots of useful information. A very useful resource accessible via that page is the Accessory Dwelling Unit Handbook which is periodically updated;

• website created by the Casita Coalition that addresses ADUs as well as “missing middle housing” more broadly, and includes a listing of events and webinars;

If you’re ready to start your ADU design process, let us know. We’ll schedule a site visit and get the ball rolling.