The California Department of Housing and Community Development
(HCD) recently released an updated Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)
handbook, which includes information on the latest state laws
governing ADUs. HCD also recently released the Housing
Accountability Act Technical Assistance Advisory memo, which
provides guidance on implementation of the Housing Accountability
Act (HAA). The HAA limits local governments’ ability to deny,
reduce the density of, or make it infeasible to construct housing
development projects, emergency shelters, or farmworker housing
consistent with objective local development standards. Details on
both documents follow.
Updated Accessory Dwelling Unit Handbook
The California Department of Housing and Community Development
(HCD) recently released an updated Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)
handbook, which includes information on the latest state laws
governing ADUs.
The ADU handbook includes information on recent changes to
various provisions of ADU law, including:
Allowing ADUs and junior ADUs to be built concurrently with a
single-family dwelling
Opening areas where ADUs can be created to include all zoning
districts that allow single-family and multifamily uses
Modifying fees from utilities, such as special districts and
water corporations
HCD recently released the Housing Accountability Act Technical
Assistance Advisory memo, which provides guidance on
implementation of the Housing Accountability Act (HAA). The HAA
limits local governments’ ability to deny, reduce the density of,
or make it infeasible to construct housing development projects,
emergency shelters, or farmworker housing consistent with
objective local development standards. The Legislature recently
amended the HAA, and the Technical Assistance Advisory is
intended to provide guidance on its implementation.
