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.
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.
