Published 20 Jan 2024

Why California Homeowners Are Choosing ADUs

California faces a chronic housing shortage and skyrocketing costs, making ADUs an increasingly attractive solution. In this post, explain how ADUs offer rental income, multigenerational living arrangements, or additional privacy—all while adding long-term property value and flexibility.

What Is an ADU and Who Can Build One?

An ADU is a secondary dwelling on a residential property containing a primary home. In California, detached ADUs can be up to 1,200 sq ft tall, and height is typically capped at 16 feet—though local zoning may impose stricter limits.ADUs can serve as rental units, guest houses, or flexible spaces for caregiving. Any homeowner with an existing residence is eligible—whether the property is single-family or multi-family—provided the unit meets state and local criteria

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ADU-Friendly Laws: Simplifying Your Building Journey

A wave of legislative reforms over the past decade has removed many traditional barriers to ADU construction. Laws such as SB 1069/229 (2016–2017) and SB 13/AB 68 (2019) minimized local restrictions and enabled JADUs. Perhaps most impactful, the HOME Act (SB 9) and related updates in 2023–2024 allow up to eight detached ADUs per single-family lot, eliminate owner-occupancy mandates, streamline permit review timelines to 60–120 days, and reduce property taxes for 15 years on new ADUs

Eco-Conscious ADU Design Trends That Save Money and Add Value

2025 design trends emphasize sustainability and efficiency. Passive solar architecture, orientation planning, high-performance insulation, and smart HVAC systems like mini-splits slash utility bills. Solar panels, rainwater harvesting, and green roofs reinforce eco-benefits and appeal to environmentally conscious tenants or appraisers. Recycled materials, low‑VOC paints, and bamboo products further enhance indoor air quality and longevity

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Conclusion
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Olivia Rhye
Product Designer, Untitled