Recap of California’s Latest ADU & Small Housing Laws — And Why You Should Take Advantage Now
- Antolin Corona
- Feb 3
- 5 min read
Knowledge is power, and knowing these laws exist could be the key to unlocking your property’s full potential.
If you’ve ever thought about building an ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) or finding a smarter way to use your backyard or lot, now’s the time to take a closer look. In recent years, California has passed a series of laws to make it easier, faster, and more affordable for homeowners like you to create more housing.
These laws weren’t designed for developers with skyscrapers in mind. They were created to support regular Californians who want to age in place, care for family, or generate passive income from the home they already own.
Let’s walk through the most recent updates, as well as the problems they were designed to fix, so you can see exactly how they benefit you.
Contents:
SB 1211 (2024) – More ADUs, Less Hassle
If you're considering converting a driveway or carport into an ADU, this law clears a major hurdle. Many homeowners were being forced to replace uncovered parking spaces just to build new units even when that parking wasn’t needed or used.
This outdated requirement created extra costs and delays for otherwise simple ADU projects. SB 1211 removes that burden by banning cities from requiring replacement of uncovered parking spaces when they’re demolished or converted for ADU construction.
It also expands the number of detached ADUs allowed on multifamily lots to up to 8 units, and clarifies what counts as "livable space", making it easier to plan projects with confidence.
AB 3057 (2024) – Faster Permits for Junior ADUs
If you're adding a small in-law suite or home office inside your existing home, this law helps get it approved faster.
Previously, even the smallest Junior ADUs (JADUs) were delayed because cities had to go through California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) reviews before adopting ordinances that allowed them. This created long waits for updates to local codes.
AB 3057 expands the CEQA exemption to cover JADU ordinances, so cities can now adopt or revise JADU policies without environmental review delays, helping you move forward more quickly with small, cost-effective housing solutions.
AB 2243 (2024) – Housing in Underused Commercial Areas
If you own land that used to be a retail or parking lot, or if you’re eyeing an outdated shopping center, this law opens new possibilities.
California had strict zoning that blocked housing on sites that were formerly commercial or too close to freeways, even though these were often ideal for development.
AB 2243 expands where affordable and mixed-income housing can be built, including regional malls (up to 100 acres) and parcels near freeways, and it makes updates to affordability thresholds and objective site standards. It also ensures these projects get streamlined and ministerial approval, making development easier in areas that were previously off-limits.
SB 1123 (2024) – Small Lot Splits, Big Potential
If your lot is larger than average or sits unused, this law could let you legally split it and build more homes. Before this bill, if you already had an ADU or Junior ADU, your project might be disqualified from the state’s small-lot housing rules. That made it hard for many homeowners to fully use their land.
SB 1123 ensures ADUs and JADUs don’t count toward the unit cap for these 10-unit small subdivisions. It also allows small-lot splits on vacant single-family parcels (up to 1.5 acres) and requires ministerial (non-discretionary) review, which means less red tape and faster approval for infill housing.
AB 1332 (2023) – Preapproved ADU Plans Coming Soon
If designing your ADU from scratch sounds overwhelming, this law is exactly what you need. Many homeowners get stuck at the start because the design process is expensive, slow, and unfamiliar.
AB 1332 requires every city and county in California to create and publish a set of preapproved ADU plans by January 1, 2025.
These plans will be available online and must be accepted in 30 days or less when submitted for detached ADUs, giving you a shortcut to save on architectural fees and permit timelines.
AB 1033 (2023) – Sell Your ADU Like a Condo
If you’re thinking long-term or looking to help a loved one own a home, this law gives you more flexibility.
Until now, ADUs could only be rented, they can not be sold separately from the main home. That limited options for multi-generational families and real estate investors alike.
AB 1033 allows local governments to adopt ordinances that let ADUs be sold independently, just like condominiums. With the right setup, you could build and sell your ADU, create a new homeownership opportunity for family, or even use it as a creative retirement investment.
SB 9 (2021) – Turn a Single Lot Into Four Homes
If your lot is zoned for a single-family home, this law gives you permission to think bigger. For decades, one-home-per-lot rules kept neighborhoods from evolving even when the land had room for more.
SB 9 allows homeowners to split their property and build up to two homes on each parcel, creating the potential for four units total where just one was allowed before. This law requires cities to approve qualifying projects ministerially, so you won’t be stuck in long public hearings or subject to unpredictable delays.
It’s a powerful tool for families looking to grow or create housing for the next generation.
AB 68 (2019) – The Law That Launched the ADU Boom
If you tried to build an ADU before 2020 and were told "no," this is the law that changed everything. Cities used to block ADUs using rules like minimum lot size, unnecessary parking requirements, and excessive setbacks.
AB 68 overrode many of those local restrictions and created a statewide legal baseline where cities must allow at least one ADU and one Junior ADU per lot, can’t enforce minimum lot sizes, and must approve qualifying projects within a set timeline.
It laid the groundwork for today's more ADU-friendly policies.
Bottom Line: These Laws Were Made for You
California wants homeowners to build more housing. These laws weren’t written exactly for corporate developers, they were made to empower homeowners like you. If you’ve got space in your yard, a vision for your family’s future, or a plan to create rental income, the state is giving you more tools than ever to make it happen.
Whether you’re ready to:
House your parents comfortably
Create passive income with a rental
Support your kids with affordable living
Build wealth and future-proof your property
...the door is open.
Let’s Talk About Your Options
Every property is different, and every homeowner has a unique goal. Want to know what’s possible on your lot? We’ll walk you through it. From checking local rules to helping you take advantage of these new laws, we’re here to make the process simple.
👉 Book your free consultation today and let’s make the most of your property, your future, and your home.
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