New laws effective January 1, 2020

To promote and expand the use of ADUs and JADUs, the Legislature has updated relevant laws as of January 1, 2020. ADUs and JADUs can now be concurrently built within or alongside a single-family dwelling, and included within all zoning districts that allow single-family and multi-family residences. Modified utility fees, reduced parking requirements, and limited exemptions now make ADUs and JADUs a more worthwhile option.

Standard ADUs provide an independent living unit with separate exterior entrance. They’re created on a property as:

  1. A conversion, converting part of the existing home, garage or accessory structure; or
  2. A new attached construction, building a new addition that attaches to the existing home or garage; or
  3. A new detached construction, building a new free-standing unit on the property or adding to an existing accessory structure like a detached garage.

What are the benefits of ADUs?

  • ADUs offer an affordable type of home construction in California because they do not require paying for land, major new infrastructure, structured parking, or elevators.
  • ADUs provide a source of income for homeowners.
  • ADUs are built with a cost-effective wood frame construction, which is significantly less costly than new multi-family infill buildings.
  • ADUs allow extended families to be near one another while maintaining privacy.
  • ADUs allot as much living space as many newly-built apartments and condominiums, and are ideally suited for couples, small families, friends, young people, and seniors.
  • ADUs give homeowners the flexibility to share independent living areas with family members and others, allowing seniors to age in place as they require more care.

26081 Merit Cir, STE 111
Laguna Hills, CA 92653


(909)-257-7040 info@bndesignbuildinc.com