New California law removes barriers to residential development

California’s new law, AB 3182, was enacted to encourage the creation of residential development in older urban areas and master planned communities.

The law requires that local governments allow for the construction of alternative dwelling units (ADUs) not exceeding 1,200 sf, and junior ADUs—smaller units attached to the main home. Both an ADU and JADU can now be constructed on the same lot.

Applications for government permits for construction of ADUs and JADUs will be deemed to be approved if not acted upon within 60 days. The state legislature intends for ADUs to quickly add new residential capacity in areas already served by jobs and transit connections. 

This bill is part of a broader effort by the legislature to address California’s chronic housing shortage by requiring local governments to accept changes to zoning and development requirements.