Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADUs) are an innovative and effective option for adding much needed housing in California.
ADUs have been known by many names: granny flats, in-law units, backyard cottages, secondary units and more. HCD is the state’s leader on local ADU ordinances, which — while optional — have grown exponentially in number as more cities, counties, and homeowners become interested in ADUs as one solution to increasing the supply of affordable housing.
What are the benefits of ADUs?
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ADUs are an affordable type of home to construct in California because they do not require paying for land, major new infrastructure, structured parking, or elevators.
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ADUs can provide a source of income for homeowners.
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ADUs are built with cost-effective wood frame construction, which is significantly less costly than homes in new multifamily infill buildings.
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ADUs allow extended families to be near one another while maintaining privacy.
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ADUs can provide as much living space as many newly-built apartments and condominiums, and they’re suited well for couples, small families, friends, young people, and seniors.
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ADUs give homeowners the flexibility to share independent living areas with family members and others, allowing seniors to age in place as they require more care
What are JADUs?
Junior Accessory Dwelling Units
JADUs are allowed to be created within the walls of a proposed or existing single-family residence and shall contain no more than 500 square feet. JADUs offer additional housing options. They may share central systems, contain a basic kitchen utilizing small plug-in appliances, may share a bathroom with the primary dwelling, all to reduce development costs. JADUs present no additional stress on utility services or infrastructure because they simply repurpose existing space within the residence and do not expand the dwellings planned occupancy.
