What's the difference between ADU and SB-9?
ADUs are a common form of secondary housing authorized in many cities and towns for decades. SB-9 is a relatively recent law allowing property owners to split their lots to build additional housing units. Both are intended to increase the supply of affordable housing in California.
![ADU vs SB-9, side by side](/_next/image?url=%2Fimages%2Fca-adu.com-adu-vs-sb9-side-by-side.png&w=1200&q=75)
An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a secondary dwelling unit on the same lot as a primary dwelling unit. ADUs can be attached or detached from the primary dwelling unit and are designed to be self-sufficient with their own kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping area. ADUs are often used as rental units or for multigenerational living arrangements.
SB-9 is a California state law that allows property owners to build up to two extra dwelling units on a lot with an existing single-family home without requiring a local government to approve the project if it meets certain conditions. These conditions include the new units meeting zoning and building standards, parking requirements, and being within a half-mile of public transit.
The main difference between an ADU and SB-9 is that ADUs are typically smaller units built on the same lot as an existing primary dwelling unit, while SB-9 allows for the construction of up to two additional units on a lot with an existing single-family home. ADUs are subject to local zoning and building codes, while SB-9 provides a statewide framework for building accessory residential units.