Exhibit 4 - CA Government Code Sections 66310 through 66342Government Code - GOV
TITLE 7. PLANNING AND LAND USE [65000 - 66499.58]
( Heading of Title 7 amended by Stats. 1974, Ch. 1536. )
DIVISION 1. PLANNING AND ZONING [65000 - 66345.4]
( Heading of Division 1 added by Stats. 1974, Ch. 1536. )
CHAPTER 13. Accessory Dwelling Units [66310 - 66342]
( Chapter 13 added by Stats. 2024, Ch. 7, Sec. 20. )
ARTICLE 1. General Provisions [66310 - 66313.5]
( Article 1 added by Stats. 2024, Ch. 7, Sec. 20. )
66310.
The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:
(a)Accessory dwelling units are a valuable form of housing in California.
(b)Accessory dwelling units provide housing for family members, students, the elderly, in-
home health care providers, the disabled, and others, at below market prices within
existing neighborhoods.
(c)Homeowners who create accessory dwelling units benefit from added income, and an
increased sense of security.
(d)Allowing accessory dwelling units in single-family or multifamily residential zones
provides additional rental housing stock in California.
(e)California faces a severe housing crisis.
(f)The state is falling far short of meeting current and future housing demand with serious
consequences for the state’s economy, our ability to build green infill consistent with state
greenhouse gas reduction goals, and the well-being of our citizens, particularly lower and
middle-income earners.
EXHIBIT 4
(g) Accessory dwelling units offer lower cost housing to meet the needs of existing and
future residents within existing neighborhoods, while respecting architectural character.
(h) Accessory dwelling units are, therefore, an essential component of California’s housing
supply.
(Added by Stats. 2024, Ch. 7, Sec. 20. (SB 477) Effective March 25, 2024.)
66311.
It is the intent of the Legislature that an accessory dwelling unit or a junior accessory
dwelling unit ordinance adopted by a local agency has the effect of providing for the
creation of accessory dwelling units or a junior accessory dwelling unit and that provisions
in this ordinance relating to matters including unit size, parking, fees, and other
requirements, are not so arbitrary, excessive, or burdensome so as to unreasonably restrict
the ability of homeowners to create accessory dwelling units or junior accessory dwelling
units in zones in which they are authorized by local ordinance.
(Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 520, Sec. 1. (SB 543) Effective January 1, 2026.)
66311.5.
(a) Fees charged for the construction of accessory dwelling units or junior accessory
dwelling units shall be determined in accordance with Chapter 5 (commencing with
Section 66000) and Chapter 7 (commencing with Section 66012).
(b) An accessory dwelling unit or junior accessory dwelling unit shall not be considered by a
local agency, special district, or water corporation to be a new residential use for purposes
of calculating connection fees or capacity charges for utilities, including water and sewer
service, unless the unit was constructed with a new single-family dwelling.
(c) (1) A local agency, special district, or water corporation shall not impose any impact fee
upon the development of an accessory dwelling unit that has 750 square feet of interior
livable space or less or a junior accessory dwelling unit that has 500 square feet of interior
livable space or less. Any impact fees charged for an accessory dwelling unit that has more
than 750 square feet of interior livable space shall be charged proportionately in relation to
the square footage of the primary dwelling unit.
(2) For purposes of this subdivision, “impact fee” has the same meaning as the term “fee”
is defined in subdivision (b) of Section 66000, except that it also includes fees specified in
Section 66477. “Impact fee” does not include any connection fee or capacity charge
charged by a local agency, special district, or water corporation.
(3) For the purposes of this section and Section 17620 of the Education Code, an accessory
dwelling unit or junior accessory dwelling unit that contains less than 500 square feet of
interior livable space shall, for the purpose of subparagraph (C) of paragraph (1) of
subdivision (a) of Section 17620 of the Education Code, be considered other residential
construction that does not increase assessable space by 500 square feet.
(d) For an accessory dwelling unit or a junior accessory dwelling unit described in
paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) of Section 66323, a local agency, special district, or water
corporation shall not require the applicant to install a new or separate utility connection
directly between the unit and the utility or impose a related connection fee or capacity
charge, unless the unit was constructed with a new single-family dwelling, or upon
separate conveyance of the accessory dwelling unit pursuant to Section 66342.
(e) For an accessory dwelling unit that is not described in paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) of
Section 66323, a local agency, special district, or water corporation may require a new or
separate utility connection directly between the accessory dwelling unit and the utility.
Consistent with Section 66013, the connection may be subject to a connection fee or
capacity charge that shall be proportionate to the burden of the proposed accessory
dwelling unit, based upon either its square feet or the number of its drainage fixture unit
(DFU) values, as defined in the Uniform Plumbing Code adopted and published by the
International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, upon the water or sewer
system. This fee or charge shall not exceed the reasonable cost of providing this service.
(Added by renumbering Section 66324 by Stats. 2025, Ch. 520, Sec. 7. (SB 543) Effective
January 1, 2026.)
66311.7.
(a) Notwithstanding any other law, and except as otherwise provided in subdivision (b), a
local agency shall not deny a permit for an unpermitted accessory dwelling unit or an
unpermitted junior accessory dwelling unit that was constructed before January 1, 2020,
due to either of the following:
(1) The accessory dwelling unit or junior accessory dwelling unit is in violation of building
standards pursuant to Article 1 (commencing with Section 17960) of Chapter 5 of Part 1.5
of Division 13 of the Health and Safety Code.
(2) The accessory dwelling unit or junior accessory dwelling unit does not comply with this
article or Article 3 (commencing with Section 66333), as applicable, or any local ordinance
regulating accessory dwelling units or junior accessory dwelling units.
(b) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), a local agency may deny a permit for an accessory
dwelling unit or junior accessory dwelling unit subject to subdivision (a) if the local agency
makes a finding that correcting the violation is necessary to comply with the standards
specified in Section 17920.3 of the Health and Safety Code.
(c) This section shall not apply to a building that is deemed substandard pursuant to
Section 17920.3 of the Health and Safety Code.
(d) A local agency shall inform the public about the provisions of this section through public
information resources, including permit checklists and the local agency’s internet website,
which shall include both of the following:
(1) A checklist of the conditions specified in Section 17920.3 of the Health and Safety Code
that would deem a building substandard.
(2) Informing homeowners that, before submitting an application for a permit, the
homeowner may obtain a confidential third-party code inspection from a licensed
contractor to determine the unit’s existing condition or potential scope of building
improvements before submitting an application for a permit.
(e) A homeowner applying for a permit for a previously unpermitted accessory dwelling unit
or junior accessory dwelling unit constructed before January 1, 2020, shall not be required
to pay impact fees or connection or capacity charges except when utility infrastructure is
required to comply with Section 17920.3 of the Health and Safety Code and when the fee is
authorized by subdivision (e) of Section 66311.5.
(f) Subject to subdivision (c), upon receiving an application to permit a previously
unpermitted accessory dwelling unit or junior accessory dwelling unit constructed before
January 1, 2020, an inspector from the local agency may inspect the unit for compliance
with health and safety standards and provide recommendations to comply with health and
safety standards necessary to obtain a permit. If the inspector finds noncompliance with
health and safety standards, the local agency shall not penalize an applicant for having the
unpermitted accessory dwelling unit or junior accessory dwelling unit and shall approve
necessary permits to correct noncompliance with health and safety standards.
(Added by renumbering Section 66332 by Stats. 2025, Ch. 520, Sec. 9. (SB 543) Effective
January 1, 2026.)
66312.
Notwithstanding Section 65803, this chapter shall also apply to a charter city.
(Added by Stats. 2024, Ch. 7, Sec. 20. (SB 477) Effective March 25, 2024.)
66313.
For purposes of this chapter:
(a) “Accessory dwelling unit” means an attached or a detached residential dwelling unit
that provides complete independent living facilities for one or more persons and is located
on a lot with a proposed or existing primary residence. It shall include permanent
provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation on the same parcel as the
single-family or multifamily dwelling is or will be situated. An accessory dwelling unit also
includes the following:
(1) An efficiency unit.
(2) A manufactured home, as defined in Section 18007 of the Health and Safety Code.
(b) “Accessory structure” means a structure that is accessory and incidental to a dwelling
located on the same lot.
(c) “Efficiency unit” has the same meaning as defined in Section 17958.1 of the Health and
Safety Code.
(d) “Junior accessory dwelling unit” means a unit that is no more than 500 square feet of
interior livable space in size and contained entirely within a single-family residence. A
junior accessory dwelling unit may include separate sanitation facilities, or may share
sanitation facilities with the existing structure.
(e) “Livable space” means a space in a dwelling intended for human habitation, including
living, sleeping, eating, cooking, or sanitation.
(f) “Living area” means the interior habitable area of a dwelling unit, including basements
and attics, but does not include a garage or any accessory structure.
(g) “Local agency” means a city, county, or city and county, whether general law or
chartered.
(h) “Nonconforming zoning condition” means a physical improvement on a property that
does not conform to current zoning standards.
(i) “Objective standards” means standards that involve no personal or subjective judgment
by a public official and are uniformly verifiable by reference to an external and uniform
benchmark or criterion available and knowable by both the development applicant or
proponent and the public official prior to submittal.
(j) “Passageway” means a pathway that is unobstructed clear to the sky and extends from a
street to one entrance of the accessory dwelling unit.
(k) “Permitting agency” means any entity that is involved in the review of a permit for an
accessory dwelling unit or junior accessory dwelling unit and for which there is no
substitute, including, but not limited to, applicable planning departments, building
departments, utilities, and special districts.
(l) “Proposed dwelling” means a dwelling that is the subject of a permit application and
that meets the requirements for permitting.
(m) “Public transit” means a location, including, but not limited to, a bus stop or train
station, where the public may access buses, trains, subways, and other forms of
transportation that charge set fares, run on fixed routes, and are available to the public.
(n) “Tandem parking” means that two or more automobiles are parked on a driveway or in
any other location on a lot, lined up behind one another.
(Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 520, Sec. 2. (SB 543) Effective January 1, 2026.)
66313.5.
The department may review, adopt, amend, or repeal guidelines to implement uniform
standards or criteria that supplement or clarify the terms, references, and standards set
forth in this chapter. The guidelines adopted pursuant to this section are not subject to
Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2.
(Added by renumbering Section 66327 by Stats. 2025, Ch. 520, Sec. 8. (SB 543) Effective
January 1, 2026.)
Government Code - GOV
TITLE 7. PLANNING AND LAND USE [65000 - 66499.58]
( Heading of Title 7 amended by Stats. 1974, Ch. 1536. )
DIVISION 1. PLANNING AND ZONING [65000 - 66345.4]
( Heading of Division 1 added by Stats. 1974, Ch. 1536. )
CHAPTER 13. Accessory Dwelling Units [66310 - 66342]
( Chapter 13 added by Stats. 2024, Ch. 7, Sec. 20. )
ARTICLE 2. Accessory Dwelling Unit Approvals [66314 - 66331]
( Article 2 added by Stats. 2024, Ch. 7, Sec. 20. )
66314.
A local agency may, by ordinance, provide for the creation of accessory dwelling units in
areas zoned to allow single-family or multifamily dwelling residential use. The ordinance
shall do all of the following:
(a) Designate areas within the jurisdiction of the local agency where accessory dwelling
units may be permitted. The designation of areas may be based on the adequacy of water
and sewer services and the impact of accessory dwelling units on traffic flow and public
safety. A local agency that does not provide water or sewer services shall consult with the
local water or sewer service provider regarding the adequacy of water and sewer services
before designating an area where accessory dwelling units may be permitted.
(b) (1) Impose objective standards on accessory dwelling units that include, but are not
limited to, parking, height, setback, landscape, architectural review, maximum size of a
unit, and standards that prevent adverse impacts on any real property that is listed in the
California Register of Historical Resources. These standards shall not include
requirements on minimum lot size.
(2) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), a local agency may reduce or eliminate parking
requirements for any accessory dwelling unit located within its jurisdiction.
(c) Provide that accessory dwelling units do not exceed the allowable density for the lot
upon which the accessory dwelling unit is located, and that accessory dwelling units are a
residential use that is consistent with the existing general plan and zoning designation for
the lot.
(d) Require the accessory dwelling units to comply with all of the following:
(1) Except as provided in Article 4 (commencing with Section 66340), the accessory
dwelling unit may be rented separate from the primary residence, but shall not be sold or
otherwise conveyed separate from the primary residence.
(2) The lot is zoned to allow single-family or multifamily dwelling residential use and
includes a proposed or existing dwelling.
(3) The accessory dwelling unit is either attached to, or located within, the proposed or
existing primary dwelling, including attached garages, storage areas or similar uses, or an
accessory structure or detached from the proposed or existing primary dwelling and
located on the same lot as the proposed or existing primary dwelling, including detached
garages.
(4) If there is an existing primary dwelling, the total floor area of an attached accessory
dwelling unit shall not exceed 50 percent of the existing primary dwelling.
(5) The total floor area for a detached accessory dwelling unit shall not exceed 1,200
square feet.
(6) No passageway shall be required in conjunction with the construction of an accessory
dwelling unit.
(7) No setback shall be required for an existing living area or accessory structure or a
structure constructed in the same location and to the same dimensions as an existing
structure that is converted to an accessory dwelling unit or to a portion of an accessory
dwelling unit, and a setback of no more than four feet from the side and rear lot lines shall
be required for an accessory dwelling unit that is not converted from an existing structure
or a new structure constructed in the same location and to the same dimensions as an
existing structure.
(8) Local building code requirements that apply to detached dwellings, except that the
construction of an accessory dwelling unit shall not constitute a Group R occupancy
change under the local building code, as described in Section 310 of the California Building
Code (Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations), unless the building official or
enforcement agency of the local agency makes a written finding based on substantial
evidence in the record that the construction of the accessory dwelling unit could have a
specific, adverse impact on public health and safety. Nothing in this paragraph shall be
interpreted to prevent a local agency from changing the occupancy code of a space that
was uninhabitable space or was only permitted for nonresidential use and was
subsequently converted for residential use pursuant to this article.
(9) Approval by the local health officer where a private sewage disposal system is being
used, if required.
(10) (A) Parking requirements for accessory dwelling units shall not exceed one parking
space per accessory dwelling unit or per bedroom, whichever is less. These spaces may be
provided as tandem parking on a driveway.
(B) Offstreet parking shall be permitted in setback areas in locations determined by the
local agency or through tandem parking, unless specific findings are made that parking in
setback areas or tandem parking is not feasible based upon specific site or regional
topographical or fire and life safety conditions.
(C) This subparagraph shall not apply to an accessory dwelling unit that is described in
Section 66322.
(11) When a garage, carport, covered parking structure, or uncovered parking space is
demolished in conjunction with the construction of an accessory dwelling unit or
converted to an accessory dwelling unit, the local agency shall not require that those
offstreet parking spaces be replaced.
(12) Accessory dwelling units shall not be required to provide fire sprinklers if they are not
required for the primary residence. The construction of an accessory dwelling unit shall not
trigger a requirement for fire sprinklers to be installed in the existing primary dwelling.
(e) Require that a demolition permit for a detached garage that is to be replaced with an
accessory dwelling unit be reviewed with the application for the accessory dwelling unit
and issued at the same time.
(f) An accessory dwelling unit ordinance shall not require, and the applicant shall not be
otherwise required, to provide written notice or post a placard for the demolition of a
detached garage that is to be replaced with an accessory dwelling unit, unless the property
is located within an architecturally and historically significant historic district.
(Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 67, Sec. 109. (AB 1170) Effective January 1, 2026.)
66315.
Section 66314 establishes the maximum standards that a local agency shall use to
evaluate a proposed accessory dwelling unit on a lot that includes a proposed or existing
single-family dwelling. No additional standards, other than those provided in Section
66314, shall be used or imposed, including an owner-occupant requirement, except that a
local agency may require that the property may be used for rentals of terms 30 days or
longer.
(Added by Stats. 2024, Ch. 7, Sec. 20. (SB 477) Effective March 25, 2024.)
66316.
An existing accessory dwelling unit ordinance governing the creation of an accessory
dwelling unit by a local agency or an accessory dwelling ordinance adopted by a local
agency shall provide an approval process that includes only ministerial provisions for the
approval of accessory dwelling units and shall not include any discretionary processes,
provisions, or requirements for those units, except as otherwise provided in this article. If a
local agency has an existing accessory dwelling unit ordinance that fails to meet the
requirements of this article, that ordinance shall be null and void and that agency shall
thereafter apply the standards established in this article for the approval of accessory
dwelling units, unless and until the agency adopts an ordinance that complies with this
article.
(Added by Stats. 2024, Ch. 7, Sec. 20. (SB 477) Effective March 25, 2024.)
66317.
(a) (1) A permit application for an accessory dwelling unit shall be considered and approved
ministerially without discretionary review or a hearing, notwithstanding Section 65901 or
65906 or any local ordinance regulating the issuance of variances or special use permits.
(2) (A) A permitting agency shall determine whether an application to create or serve an
accessory dwelling unit is complete and provide written notice of this determination to the
applicant not later than 15 business days after the permitting agency received the
application.
(B) If the permitting agency determines an application is incomplete, the permitting agency
shall provide the applicant with a list of incomplete items and a description of how the
application can be made complete. The list and description shall be provided with the
written notice required by subparagraph (A).
(C) After receiving a notice that the application was incomplete, an applicant may cure and
address the items that are deemed to be incomplete by the permitting agency.
(D) In the review of an application submitted pursuant to subparagraph (C), the permitting
agency shall not require the application to include an item that was not included in the list
required by subparagraph (B).
(E) If an applicant submits an application pursuant to subparagraph (C), the permitting
agency shall determine whether the additional application has remedied all incomplete
items listed in the determination issued pursuant to subparagraph (B). This additional
application is subject to the timelines and requirements specified in subparagraph (A).
(F) If a permitting agency does not make a timely determination as required by this
paragraph, the application or resubmitted application shall be deemed to be complete for
the purposes of this section.
(3) The permitting agency shall either approve or deny the application to create or serve an
accessory dwelling unit within 60 days from the date the permitting agency receives a
completed application if there is an existing single-family or multifamily dwelling on the lot.
If the permit application to create or serve an accessory dwelling unit is submitted with a
permit application to create a new single-family or multifamily dwelling on the lot, the
permitting agency may delay approving or denying the permit application for the accessory
dwelling unit until the permitting agency approves or denies the permit application to
create the new single-family or multifamily dwelling, but the application to create or serve
the accessory dwelling unit shall be considered without discretionary review or hearing. If
the applicant requests a delay, the 60-day time period shall be tolled for the period of the
delay. If the local agency has not approved or denied the completed application within 60
days, the application shall be deemed approved. A local agency may charge a fee to
reimburse it for costs incurred to implement this section, including the costs of adopting or
amending any ordinance that provides for the creation of an accessory dwelling unit.
(b) If a permitting agency denies an application for an accessory dwelling unit pursuant to
subdivision (a), the permitting agency shall, within the time period described in subdivision
(a), return in writing a full set of comments to the applicant with a list of items that are
defective or deficient and a description of how the application can be remedied by the
applicant.
(c) No local ordinance, policy, or regulation, other than an accessory dwelling unit
ordinance consistent with this article shall be the basis for the delay or denial of a building
permit or a use permit under this section.
(d) (1) If a permit application is determined to be incomplete under paragraph (2) of
subdivision (a) or denied under paragraph (3) of subdivision (a), the permitting agency shall
provide a process for the applicant to appeal that decision in writing to the governing body
of the agency or, if there is no governing body, to the director of the agency, as provided by
that agency. A city or county shall provide that the right of appeal is to the governing body
or, at their option, the planning commission, or both.
(2) A permitting agency on the appeal shall provide a final written determination by not later
than 60 business days after receipt of the applicant’s written appeal. The fact that an
appeal is permitted to both the planning commission and to the governing body does not
extend the 60-business-day period.
(Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 520, Sec. 3. (SB 543) Effective January 1, 2026.)
66318.
(a) A local agency may amend its zoning ordinance or general plan to incorporate the
policies, procedures, or other provisions applicable to the creation of an accessory
dwelling unit if these provisions are consistent with the limitations of this article.
(b) An accessory dwelling unit ordinance shall not be considered in the application of any
local ordinance, policy, or program to limit residential growth.
(Added by Stats. 2024, Ch. 7, Sec. 20. (SB 477) Effective March 25, 2024.)
66319.
An accessory dwelling unit that conforms to Section 66314 shall be deemed to be an
accessory use or an accessory building and shall not be considered to exceed the
allowable density for the lot upon which it is located, and shall be deemed to be a
residential use that is consistent with the existing general plan and zoning designations for
the lot. The accessory dwelling unit shall not be considered in the application of any local
ordinance, policy, or program to limit residential growth.
(Added by Stats. 2024, Ch. 7, Sec. 20. (SB 477) Effective March 25, 2024.)
66320.
When a local agency that has not adopted an ordinance governing accessory dwelling units
in accordance with Section 66314 receives an application for a permit to create or serve an
accessory dwelling unit pursuant to this article, the local agency shall approve or
disapprove the application ministerially without discretionary review pursuant to Section
66317.
(Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 520, Sec. 4. (SB 543) Effective January 1, 2026.)
66321.
(a) Subject to subdivision (b), a local agency may establish minimum and maximum unit
size requirements for both attached and detached accessory dwelling units.
(b) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), a local agency shall not establish by ordinance any of
the following:
(1) A minimum square footage requirement for either an attached or detached accessory
dwelling unit that prohibits an efficiency unit.
(2) A maximum square footage requirement for either an attached or detached accessory
dwelling unit that is less than either of the following:
(A) Eight hundred fifty square feet of interior livable space.
(B) One thousand square feet of interior livable space for an accessory dwelling unit that
provides more than one bedroom.
(3) Any requirement for a zoning clearance or separate zoning review or any other minimum
or maximum size for an accessory dwelling unit, size based upon a percentage of the
proposed or existing primary dwelling, or limits on lot coverage, floor area ratio, open
space, front setbacks, and minimum lot size, for either attached or detached dwellings that
does not permit an accessory dwelling unit with at least 800 square feet of interior livable
space and with four-foot side and rear yard setbacks to be constructed in compliance with
all other local development standards.
(4) Any height limitation that does not allow at least the following, as applicable:
(A) A height of 16 feet for a detached accessory dwelling unit on a lot with an existing or
proposed single family or multifamily dwelling unit.
(B) A height of 18 feet for a detached accessory dwelling unit on a lot with an existing or
proposed single family or multifamily dwelling unit that is within one-half of one mile
walking distance of a major transit stop or a high-quality transit corridor, as those terms are
defined in Section 21155 of the Public Resources Code. A local agency shall also allow an
additional two feet in height to accommodate a roof pitch on the accessory dwelling unit
that is aligned with the roof pitch of the primary dwelling unit.
(C) A height of 18 feet for a detached accessory dwelling unit on a lot with an existing or
proposed multifamily, multistory dwelling.
(D) A height of 25 feet or the height limitation in the local zoning ordinance that applies to
the primary dwelling, whichever is lower, for an accessory dwelling unit that is attached to a
primary dwelling. This subparagraph shall not require a local agency to allow an accessory
dwelling unit to exceed two stories.
(Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 520, Sec. 5. (SB 543) Effective January 1, 2026.)
66322.
Notwithstanding any other law, and whether or not the local agency has adopted an
ordinance governing accessory dwelling units in accordance with Section 66314, all of the
following shall apply:
(a) A local agency shall not impose any parking standards for an accessory dwelling unit in
any of the following instances:
(1) Where the accessory dwelling unit is located within one-half of one mile walking
distance of public transit.
(2) Where the accessory dwelling unit is located within an architecturally and historically
significant historic district.
(3) Where the accessory dwelling unit is part of the proposed or existing primary residence
or an accessory structure.
(4) When on-street parking permits are required but not offered to the occupant of the
accessory dwelling unit.
(5) When there is a car share vehicle located within one block of the accessory dwelling
unit.
(6) When a permit application for an accessory dwelling unit is submitted with a permit
application to create a new single-family dwelling or a new multifamily dwelling on the
same lot, provided that the accessory dwelling unit or the parcel satisfies any other criteria
listed in this subdivision.
(b) The local agency shall not deny an application for a permit to create an accessory
dwelling unit due to the correction of nonconforming zoning conditions, building code
violations, or unpermitted structures that do not present a threat to public health and
safety and are not affected by the construction of the accessory dwelling unit.
(Added by Stats. 2024, Ch. 7, Sec. 20. (SB 477) Effective March 25, 2024.)
66323.
(a) Notwithstanding Sections 66314 to 66322, inclusive, a local agency shall ministerially
approve an application for a building permit within a residential or mixed-use zone to
create any of the following units, or any combination of the following units:
(1) One accessory dwelling unit and one junior accessory dwelling unit per lot with a
proposed or existing single-family dwelling if all of the following apply:
(A) The accessory dwelling unit or junior accessory dwelling unit is within the proposed
space of a single-family dwelling or existing space of a single-family dwelling or accessory
structure and may include an expansion of not more than 150 square feet beyond the same
physical dimensions as the existing accessory structure. An expansion beyond the physical
dimensions of the existing accessory structure shall be limited to accommodating ingress
and egress.
(B) The space has exterior access from the proposed or existing single-family dwelling.
(C) The side and rear setbacks are sufficient for fire and safety.
(D) The junior accessory dwelling unit complies with the requirements of Article 3
(commencing with Section 66333).
(2) One detached, new construction, accessory dwelling unit that does not exceed four-
foot side and rear yard setbacks for a lot with a proposed or existing single-family dwelling.
A local agency may impose the following conditions on the accessory dwelling unit:
(A) A total floor area limitation of not more than 800 square feet of livable space.
(B) A height limitation as provided in subparagraph (A), (B), or (C) of paragraph (4) of
subdivision (b) of Section 66321, as applicable.
(3) (A) Multiple accessory dwelling units within the portions of existing multifamily dwelling
structures that are not used as livable space, including, but not limited to, storage rooms,
boiler rooms, passageways, attics, basements, or garages, if each unit complies with state
building standards for dwellings.
(B) A local agency shall allow at least one accessory dwelling unit within an existing
multifamily dwelling and shall allow up to 25 percent of the existing multifamily dwelling
units.
(4) (A) (i) Multiple accessory dwelling units, not to exceed the number specified in clause (ii)
or (iii), as applicable, that are located on a lot that has an existing or proposed multifamily
dwelling, but are detached from that multifamily dwelling and are subject to a height
limitation in subparagraph (A), (B), or (C) of paragraph (4) of subdivision (b) of Section
66321, as applicable, and rear yard and side setbacks of no more than four feet.
(ii) On a lot with an existing multifamily dwelling, not more than eight detached accessory
dwelling units. However, the number of accessory dwelling units allowable pursuant to this
clause shall not exceed the number of existing units on the lot.
(iii) On a lot with a proposed multifamily dwelling, not more than two detached accessory
dwelling units.
(B) If the existing multifamily dwelling has a rear or side setback of less than four feet, the
local agency shall not require any modification of the existing multifamily dwelling as a
condition of approving the application to construct an accessory dwelling unit that satisfies
the requirements of this paragraph.
(b) A local agency shall not impose any objective development or design standard that is
not authorized by this section upon any unit that meets the requirements of any of
paragraphs (1) to (4), inclusive, of subdivision (a).
(c) A local agency shall not require, as a condition for ministerial approval of a permit
application for the creation of an accessory dwelling unit or a junior accessory dwelling
unit, the correction of nonconforming zoning conditions.
(d) The installation of fire sprinklers shall not be required in an accessory dwelling unit or a
junior accessory dwelling unit if sprinklers are not required for the primary residence. The
construction of an accessory dwelling unit or a junior accessory dwelling unit shall not
trigger a requirement for fire sprinklers to be installed in the existing multifamily dwelling.
(e) A local agency shall require that a rental of the accessory dwelling unit created pursuant
to this section be for a term longer than 30 days.
(f) A local agency may require, as part of the application for a permit to create an accessory
dwelling unit connected to an onsite wastewater treatment system, a percolation test
completed within the last five years, or, if the percolation test has been recertified, within
the last 10 years.
(Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 520, Sec. 6. (SB 543) Effective January 1, 2026.)
66325.
(a) Except as provided in subdivision (b), this article shall supersede a conflicting local
ordinance.
(b) This article does not limit the authority of local agencies to adopt less restrictive
requirements for the creation of an accessory dwelling unit.
(Added by Stats. 2024, Ch. 7, Sec. 20. (SB 477) Effective March 25, 2024.)
66326.
(a) A local agency shall submit a copy of the ordinance adopted pursuant to Section 66314
to the Department of Housing and Community Development within 60 days after adoption.
After adoption of an ordinance, the department may submit written findings to the local
agency as to whether the ordinance complies with this article.
(b) (1) If the department finds that the local agency’s ordinance does not comply with this
article, the department shall notify the local agency and shall provide the local agency with
a reasonable time, no longer than 30 days, to respond to the findings before taking any
other action authorized by this article.
(2) The local agency shall consider the findings made by the department pursuant to
paragraph (1) and shall do one of the following:
(A) Amend the ordinance to comply with this article.
(B) Adopt the ordinance without changes. The local agency shall include findings in its
resolution adopting the ordinance that explain the reasons the local agency believes that
the ordinance complies with this article despite the findings of the department.
(c) (1) If the local agency does not amend its ordinance in response to the department’s
findings or does not adopt a resolution with findings explaining the reason the ordinance
complies with this article and addressing the department’s findings, the department shall
notify the local agency and may notify the Attorney General that the local agency is in
violation of state law.
(2) Before notifying the Attorney General that the local agency is in violation of state law,
the department may consider whether a local agency adopted an ordinance in compliance
with this article between January 1, 2017, and January 1, 2020.
(d) If a local agency fails to submit a copy of its ordinance to the department within 60 days
of adoption pursuant to this section or fails to respond to the department’s findings that the
local ordinance does not comply with this article within 30 days pursuant to this section,
that ordinance shall be null and void. The local agency shall thereafter apply the standards
established in this article for the approval of accessory dwelling units, unless and until the
agency adopts an ordinance that complies with this article, including, but not limited to,
the submittal requirements of this section.
(Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 510, Sec. 1. (SB 9) Effective January 1, 2026.)
66328.
(a) A local agency shall not issue a certificate of occupancy for an accessory dwelling unit
before the local agency issues a certificate of occupancy for the primary dwelling.
(b) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), a local agency shall issue a certificate of occupancy
for an accessory dwelling unit constructed in a county that is subject to a proclamation of a
state of emergency made by the Governor on or after February 1, 2025, if both of the
following requirements are met, even if the primary dwelling has not yet been issued a
certificate of occupancy:
(1) The primary dwelling was substantially damaged or destroyed by an event referenced in
the state of emergency proclamation issued by the Governor.
(2) The accessory dwelling unit has been issued construction permits and has passed all
required inspections.
(c) Subdivision (b) does not apply to an accessory dwelling unit attached to the primary
dwelling.
(Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 491, Sec. 1. (AB 462) Effective October 10, 2025.)
66329.
(a) Except as provided in subdivision (b), nothing in this article shall be construed to
supersede or in any way alter or lessen the effect or application of the California Coastal
Act of 1976 (Division 20 (commencing with Section 30000) of the Public Resources Code),
except that the local government shall, pursuant to Section 66317, either approve or deny a
coastal development permit application for an accessory dwelling within 60 days of
receiving a completed application, and shall not be required to hold public hearings for
coastal development permit applications for accessory dwelling units. The process to
approve or deny a coastal development permit application under this subdivision shall
happen concurrently with the process to approve or deny an application for an accessory
dwelling unit under Section 66317.
(b) (1) If the local government does not have a certified local coastal plan or program, as
defined in Section 31001 of the Public Resources Code, then the California Coastal
Commission shall either approve or deny the coastal development permit application for
an accessory dwelling unit within 60 days of receiving a completed application.
(2) A local government that does not have a certified local coastal plan or program shall
immediately notify the California Coastal Commission that a permit application for an
accessory dwelling unit is complete pursuant to Section 66317.
(3) The California Coastal Commission’s review process to approve or deny a coastal
development permit application shall happen concurrently with the process to approve or
deny an application for an accessory dwelling unit under Section 66317 provided that the
California Coastal Commission has received a completed application for a coastal
development permit pursuant to Section 65943.
(4) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), if the coastal development permit application to create
or serve an accessory dwelling unit is submitted with a coastal development permit
application to create or serve a new single-family or multifamily dwelling on the lot, the
California Coastal Commission may delay approving or denying the coastal development
permit application for the accessory dwelling unit until the California Coastal Commission
approves or denies the coastal development permit application to create or serve the new
single-family or multifamily dwelling.
(5) Except as provided in paragraph (4), if the California Coastal Commission has not
approved or denied the completed coastal development permit application for the
accessory dwelling unit within 60 days, the application shall be deemed approved.
(c) Any decision of a local government pursuant to subdivision (a) is not subject to appeal
under Section 30603 of the Public Resources Code.
(Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 491, Sec. 2. (AB 462) Effective October 10, 2025.)
66330.
A local agency may count an accessory dwelling unit for purposes of identifying adequate
sites for housing, as specified in subdivision (a) of Section 65583.1, subject to
authorization by the department and compliance with this division.
(Added by Stats. 2024, Ch. 7, Sec. 20. (SB 477) Effective March 25, 2024.)
66331.
In enforcing building standards pursuant to Article 1 (commencing with Section 17960) of
Chapter 5 of Part 1.5 of Division 13 of the Health and Safety Code for an accessory dwelling
unit described in subdivision (a) or (b), a local agency, upon request of an owner of an
accessory dwelling unit for a delay in enforcement, shall delay enforcement of a building
standard, subject to compliance with Section 17980.12 of the Health and Safety Code:
(a) The accessory dwelling unit was built before January 1, 2020.
(b) The accessory dwelling unit was built on or after January 1, 2020, in a local jurisdiction
that, at the time the accessory dwelling unit was built, had a noncompliant accessory
dwelling unit ordinance, but the ordinance is compliant at the time the request is made.
(Added by Stats. 2024, Ch. 7, Sec. 20. (SB 477) Effective March 25, 2024.)
Government Code - GOV
TITLE 7. PLANNING AND LAND USE [65000 - 66499.58]
( Heading of Title 7 amended by Stats. 1974, Ch. 1536. )
DIVISION 1. PLANNING AND ZONING [65000 - 66345.4]
( Heading of Division 1 added by Stats. 1974, Ch. 1536. )
CHAPTER 13. Accessory Dwelling Units [66310 - 66342]
( Chapter 13 added by Stats. 2024, Ch. 7, Sec. 20. )
ARTICLE 3. Junior Accessory Dwelling Units [66333 - 66339.5]
( Article 3 added by Stats. 2024, Ch. 7, Sec. 20. )
66333.
Notwithstanding Article 2 (commencing with Section 66314), a local agency may, by
ordinance, provide for the creation of junior accessory dwelling units in single-family
residential zones. The ordinance may require a permit to be obtained for the creation of a
junior accessory dwelling unit, and shall do all of the following:
(a) Limit the number of junior accessory dwelling units to one per residential lot zoned for
single-family residences with a single-family residence built, or proposed to be built, on the
lot.
(b) If the junior accessory dwelling unit has shared sanitation facilities with the existing
structure, require owner-occupancy in the single family residence in which the junior
accessory dwelling unit will be permitted. The owner may reside in either the remaining
portion of the structure or the newly created junior accessory dwelling unit. Owner-
occupancy shall not be required if the junior accessory dwelling unit has separate
sanitation facilities, or if the owner is another governmental agency, land trust, or housing
organization.
(c) Require the recordation of a deed restriction, which shall run with the land, shall be filed
with the permitting agency, and shall include both of the following:
(1) A prohibition on the sale of the junior accessory dwelling unit separate from the sale of
the single-family residence, including a statement that the deed restriction may be
enforced against future purchasers.
(2) A restriction on the size and attributes of the junior accessory dwelling unit that
conforms with this article.
(d) Require a permitted junior accessory dwelling unit to be constructed within the walls of
the proposed or existing single-family residence. For purposes of this subdivision, enclosed
uses within the residence, such as attached garages, are considered a part of the proposed
or existing single-family residence.
(e) (1) Require a permitted junior accessory dwelling unit to include a separate entrance
from the main entrance to the proposed or existing single-family residence.
(2) If a permitted junior accessory dwelling unit does not include a separate bathroom, the
permitted junior accessory dwelling unit shall include a separate entrance from the main
entrance to the structure, with an interior entry to the main living area.
(f) Require the permitted junior accessory dwelling unit to include an efficiency kitchen,
which shall include all of the following:
(1) A cooking facility with appliances.
(2) A food preparation counter and storage cabinets that are of reasonable size in relation
to the size of the junior accessory dwelling unit.
(g) Require that a rental of a junior accessory dwelling unit be for a term longer than 30
days.
(Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 507, Sec. 1. (AB 1154) Effective January 1, 2026.)
66333.5.
(a) A local agency shall submit a copy of the ordinance adopted pursuant to Section 66333
to the Department of Housing and Community Development within 60 days after adoption.
After adoption of an ordinance, the department may submit written findings to the local
agency as to whether the ordinance complies with this article.
(b) (1) If the department finds that the local agency’s ordinance does not comply with this
article, the department shall notify the local agency and shall provide the local agency with
a reasonable time, no longer than 30 days, to respond to the findings before taking any
other action authorized by this article.
(2) The local agency shall consider the findings made by the department pursuant to
paragraph (1) and shall do one of the following:
(A) Amend the ordinance to comply with this article.
(B) Adopt the ordinance without changes. The local agency shall include findings in its
resolution adopting the ordinance that explain the reasons the local agency believes that
the ordinance complies with this article despite the findings of the department.
(c) (1) If the local agency does not amend its ordinance in response to the department’s
findings or does not adopt a resolution with findings explaining the reason the ordinance
complies with this article and addressing the department’s findings, the department shall
notify the local agency and may notify the Attorney General that the local agency is in
violation of state law.
(2) Before notifying the Attorney General that the local agency is in violation of state law,
the department may consider whether a local agency adopted an ordinance in compliance
with this article between January 1, 2017, and January 1, 2020.
(d) If a local agency fails to submit a copy of its ordinance to the department within 60 days
of adoption pursuant to this section or fails to respond to the department’s findings that the
local ordinance does not comply with this article within 30 days pursuant to this section,
that ordinance shall be null and void. The local agency shall thereafter apply the standards
established in this article for the approval of junior accessory dwelling units, unless and
until the agency adopts an ordinance that complies with this article, including, but not
limited to, the submittal requirements of this section.
(Added by Stats. 2025, Ch. 520, Sec. 10. (SB 543) Effective January 1, 2026.)
66334.
(a) A junior accessory dwelling unit ordinance adopted pursuant to Section 66333 shall not
require additional parking as a condition to grant a permit.
(b) This article shall not be interpreted to prohibit the requirement of an inspection,
including the imposition of a fee for that inspection, to determine if the junior accessory
dwelling unit complies with applicable building standards.
(Added by Stats. 2024, Ch. 7, Sec. 20. (SB 477) Effective March 25, 2024.)
66335.
(a) (1) An application for a permit pursuant to this article shall, notwithstanding Section
65901 or 65906 or any local ordinance regulating the issuance of variances or special use
permits, be considered ministerially, without discretionary review or a hearing.
(2) (A) A permitting agency shall determine whether an application to create or serve a
junior accessory dwelling unit is complete and provide written notice of this determination
to the applicant not later than 15 business days after the permitting agency received the
application.
(B) If the permitting agency determines an application is incomplete, the permitting agency
shall provide the applicant with a list of incomplete items and a description of how the
application can be made complete. The list and description shall be provided with the
written notice required by subparagraph (A).
(C) After receiving a notice that the application was incomplete, an applicant may cure and
address the items that are deemed to be incomplete by the permitting agency.
(D) In the review of an application submitted pursuant to subparagraph (C), the permitting
agency shall not require the application to include an item that was not included in the list
required by subparagraph (B).
(E) If an applicant submits an application pursuant to subparagraph (C), the permitting
agency shall determine whether the additional application has remedied all incomplete
items listed in the determination issued pursuant to subparagraph (B). This additional
application is subject to the timelines and requirements specified in subparagraph (A).
(F) If a permitting agency does not make a timely determination as required by this
paragraph, the application or resubmitted application shall be deemed to be complete for
the purposes of this section.
(3) The permitting agency shall either approve or deny the application to create or serve a
junior accessory dwelling unit within 60 days from the date the local agency receives a
completed application if there is an existing single-family dwelling on the lot.
(4) If the permit application to create or serve a junior accessory dwelling unit is submitted
with a permit application to create or serve a new single-family dwelling on the lot, the
permitting agency may delay approving or denying the permit application for the junior
accessory dwelling unit until the permitting agency approves or denies the permit
application to create or serve the new single-family dwelling, but the application to create
or serve the junior accessory dwelling unit shall still be considered ministerially without
discretionary review or a hearing.
(5) If the applicant requests a delay, the 60-day time period shall be tolled for the period of
the delay.
(b) If a permitting agency denies an application for a junior accessory dwelling unit
pursuant to subdivision (a), the permitting agency shall, within the time period described in
subdivision (a), return in writing a full set of comments to the applicant with a list of items
that are defective or deficient and a description of how the application can be remedied by
the applicant.
(c) A local agency may charge a fee to reimburse the local agency for costs incurred in
connection with the issuance of a permit pursuant to this article.
(d) No local ordinance, policy, or regulation, other than a junior accessory dwelling unit
ordinance consistent with this article, shall be the basis for the delay or denial of a building
permit or a use permit under this section.
(e) (1) If a permit application is determined to be incomplete under paragraph (2) of
subdivision (a) or denied under paragraph (3) of subdivision (a), the permitting agency shall
provide a process for the applicant to appeal that decision in writing to the governing body
of the agency or, if there is no governing body, to the director of the agency, as provided by
that agency. A city or county shall provide that the right of appeal is to the governing body
or, at their option, the planning commission, or both.
(2) A permitting agency on the appeal shall provide a final written determination by not later
than 60 business days after receipt of the applicant’s written appeal. The fact that an
appeal is permitted to both the planning commission and to the governing body does not
extend the 60-business-day period.
(Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 520, Sec. 11. (SB 543) Effective January 1, 2026.)
66335.5.
When a local agency that has not adopted an ordinance governing junior accessory
dwelling units in accordance with Section 66333 receives an application for a permit to
create or serve a junior accessory dwelling unit pursuant to this article, the local agency
shall approve or disapprove the application ministerially without discretionary review
pursuant to Section 66335.
(Added by Stats. 2025, Ch. 520, Sec. 12. (SB 543) Effective January 1, 2026.)
66336.
A local agency shall not deny an application for a permit to create a junior accessory
dwelling unit pursuant to this article due to the correction of nonconforming zoning
conditions, building code violations, or unpermitted structures that do not present a threat
to public health and safety and that are not affected by the construction of the junior
accessory dwelling unit.
(Added by Stats. 2024, Ch. 7, Sec. 20. (SB 477) Effective March 25, 2024.)
66337.
(a) For purposes of any fire or life protection ordinance or regulation, a junior accessory
dwelling unit shall not be considered a separate or new dwelling unit.
(b) This article shall not be construed to prohibit a city, county, city and county, or other
local public entity from adopting an ordinance or regulation relating to fire and life
protection requirements within a single-family residence that contains a junior accessory
dwelling unit so long as the ordinance or regulation applies uniformly to all single-family
residences within the zone regardless of whether the single-family residence includes a
junior accessory dwelling unit or not.
(Added by Stats. 2024, Ch. 7, Sec. 20. (SB 477) Effective March 25, 2024.)
66338.
(a) For purposes of providing service for water, sewer, or power, including a connection fee,
a junior accessory dwelling unit shall not be considered a separate or new dwelling unit.
(b) This section shall not be construed to prohibit a local agency from adopting an
ordinance or regulation related to a service or a connection fee for water, sewer, or power,
that applies to a single-family residence that contains a junior accessory dwelling unit, so
long as that ordinance or regulation applies uniformly to all single-family residences
regardless of whether the single-family residence includes a junior accessory dwelling unit.
(Added by Stats. 2024, Ch. 7, Sec. 20. (SB 477) Effective March 25, 2024.)
66339.
If a local agency has not adopted a local ordinance pursuant to this article, the local
agency shall ministerially approve a permit to construct a junior accessory dwelling unit
that satisfies the requirements set forth in paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) of Section 66323
and the requirements of this article.
(Added by Stats. 2024, Ch. 7, Sec. 20. (SB 477) Effective March 25, 2024.)
66339.5.
(a) Except as provided in subdivision (b), this article shall supersede a conflicting local
ordinance.
(b) This article does not limit the authority of local agencies to adopt less restrictive
requirements for the creation of a junior accessory dwelling unit.
(Added by Stats. 2025, Ch. 520, Sec. 13. (SB 543) Effective January 1, 2026.)
Government Code - GOV
TITLE 7. PLANNING AND LAND USE [65000 - 66499.58]
( Heading of Title 7 amended by Stats. 1974, Ch. 1536. )
DIVISION 1. PLANNING AND ZONING [65000 - 66345.4]
( Heading of Division 1 added by Stats. 1974, Ch. 1536. )
CHAPTER 13. Accessory Dwelling Units [66310 - 66342]
( Chapter 13 added by Stats. 2024, Ch. 7, Sec. 20. )
ARTICLE 4. Accessory Dwelling Unit Sales [66340 - 66342]
( Article 4 added by Stats. 2024, Ch. 7, Sec. 20. )
66340.
For purposes of this article:
(a) “Qualified buyer” means persons and families of low or moderate income, as that term
is defined in Section 50093 of the Health and Safety Code.
(b) “Qualified nonprofit corporation” means a nonprofit corporation organized pursuant to
Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code that has received a welfare exemption
under Section 214.15 of the Revenue and Taxation Code for properties intended to be sold
to low-income families who participate in a special no-interest loan program.
(Added by Stats. 2024, Ch. 7, Sec. 20. (SB 477) Effective March 25, 2024.)
66341.
A local agency shall allow an accessory dwelling unit to be sold or conveyed separately
from the primary residence to a qualified buyer if all of the following apply:
(a) The accessory dwelling unit or the primary dwelling was built or developed by a qualified
nonprofit corporation.
(b) There is an enforceable restriction on the use of the land pursuant to a recorded
contract between the qualified buyer and the qualified nonprofit corporation that satisfies
all of the requirements specified in paragraph (10) of subdivision (a) of Section 402.1 of the
Revenue and Taxation Code.
(c) The property is held pursuant to a recorded tenancy in common agreement that
includes all of the following:
(1) The agreement allocates to each qualified buyer an undivided, unequal interest in the
property based on the size of the dwelling that each qualified buyer occupies.
(2) A repurchase option that requires the qualified buyer to first offer the qualified nonprofit
corporation to buy the accessory dwelling unit or primary dwelling if the buyer desires to
sell or convey the property.
(3) A requirement that the qualified buyer occupy the accessory dwelling unit or primary
dwelling as the buyer’s principal residence.
(4) Affordability restrictions on the sale and conveyance of the accessory dwelling unit or
primary dwelling that ensure the accessory dwelling unit and primary dwelling will be
preserved for low-income housing for 45 years for owner-occupied housing units and will
be sold or resold to a qualified buyer.
(5) If the tenancy in common agreement is recorded after December 31, 2021, it shall also
include all of the following:
(A) Delineation of all areas of the property that are for the exclusive use of a cotenant. Each
cotenant shall agree not to claim a right of occupancy to an area delineated for the
exclusive use of another cotenant, provided that the latter cotenant’s obligations to each of
the other cotenants have been satisfied.
(B) Delineation of each cotenant’s responsibility for the costs of taxes, insurance, utilities,
general maintenance and repair, improvements, and any other costs, obligations, or
liabilities associated with the property. This delineation shall only be binding on the parties
to the agreement, and shall not supersede or obviate the liability, whether joint and several
or otherwise, of the parties for any cost, obligation, or liability associated with the property
where such liability is otherwise established by law or by agreement with a third party.
(C) Procedures for dispute resolution among the parties before resorting to legal action.
(d) A grant deed naming the grantor, grantee, and describing the property interests being
transferred shall be recorded in the county in which the property is located. A Preliminary
Change of Ownership Report shall be filed concurrently with this grant deed pursuant to
Section 480.3 of the Revenue and Taxation Code.
(e) Notwithstanding Section 66324, if requested by a utility providing service to the primary
residence, the accessory dwelling unit has a separate water, sewer, or electrical
connection to that utility.
(f) Nothing in this section limits the ability of an accessory dwelling unit to be sold or
otherwise conveyed separate from the primary residence as a condominium pursuant to
an ordinance adopted under Section 66342.
(Added by Stats. 2024, Ch. 7, Sec. 20. (SB 477) Effective March 25, 2024.)
66342.
In addition to the requirement that a local agency allow the separate sale or conveyance of
an accessory dwelling unit pursuant to Section 66341, a local agency may also adopt a
local ordinance to allow the separate conveyance of the primary dwelling unit and
accessory dwelling unit or units as condominiums. Any such ordinance shall include all of
the following requirements:
(a) The condominiums shall be created pursuant to the Davis-Stirling Common Interest
Development Act (Part 5 (commencing with Section 4000) of Division 4 of the Civil Code).
(b) The condominiums shall be created in conformance with all applicable objective
requirements of the Subdivision Map Act (Division 2 (commencing with Section 66410))
and all objective requirements of a local subdivision ordinance.
(c) Before recordation of the condominium plan, a safety inspection of the accessory
dwelling unit shall be conducted as evidenced either through a certificate of occupancy
from the local agency or a housing quality standards report from a building inspector
certified by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development.
(d) (1) Neither a subdivision map nor a condominium plan shall be recorded with the
county recorder in the county where the real property is located without each lienholder’s
consent. The following shall apply to the consent of a lienholder:
(A) A lienholder may refuse to give consent.
(B) A lienholder may consent provided that any terms and conditions required by the
lienholder are satisfied.
(2) Prior to recordation of the initial or any subsequent modifications to the condominium
plan, written evidence of the lienholder’s consent shall be provided to the county recorder
along with a signed statement from each lienholder that states as follows:
“(Name of lienholder) hereby consents to the recording of this condominium plan in their
sole and absolute discretion and the borrower has or will satisfy any additional terms and
conditions the lienholder may have.”
(3) The lienholder’s consent shall be included on the condominium plan or a separate form
attached to the condominium plan that includes the following information:
(A) The lienholder’s signature.
(B) The name of the record owner or ground lessee.
(C) The legal description of the real property.
(D) The identities of all parties with an interest in the real property as reflected in the real
property records.
(E) The lienholder’s consent shall be recorded in the office of the county recorder of the
county in which the real property is located.
(e) The local agency shall include the following notice to consumers on any accessory
dwelling or junior accessory dwelling unit submittal checklist or public information issued
describing requirements and permitting for accessory dwelling units, including as standard
condition of any accessory dwelling unit building permit or condominium plan approval:
“NOTICE: If you are considering establishing your primary dwelling unit and accessory
dwelling unit as a condominium, please ensure that your building permitting agency allows
this practice. If you decide to establish your primary dwelling unit and accessory dwelling
unit as a condominium, your condominium plan or any future modifications to the
condominium plan must be recorded with the County Recorder. Prior to recordation or
modification of your subdivision map and condominium plan, any lienholder with a lien on
your title must provide a form of written consent either on the condominium plan, or on the
lienholder’s consent form attached to the condominium plan, with text that clearly states
that the lender approves recordation of the condominium plan and that you have satisfied
their terms and conditions, if any.
In order to secure lender consent, you may be required to follow additional lender
requirements, which may include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following:
(a) Paying off your current lender.
You may pay off your mortgage and any liens through a refinance or a new loan. Be aware
that refinancing or using a new loan may result in changes to your interest rate or tax basis.
Also, be aware that any subsequent modification to your subdivision map or condominium
plan must also be consented to by your lender, which consent may be denied.
(b) Securing your lender’s approval of a modification to their loan collateral due to the
change of your current property legal description into one or more condominium parcels.
(c) Securing your lender’s consent to the details of any construction loan or ground lease.
This may include a copy of the improvement contract entered in good faith with a licensed
contractor, evidence that the record owner or ground lessee has the funds to complete the
work, and a signed statement made by the record owner or ground lessor that the
information in the consent above is true and correct.”
(f) If an accessory dwelling unit is established as a condominium, the local government
shall require the homeowner to notify providers of utilities, including water, sewer, gas, and
electricity, of the condominium creation and separate conveyance.
(g) (1) The owner of a property or a separate interest within an existing planned
development that has an existing association, as defined in Section 4080 of the Civil Code,
shall not record a condominium plan to create a common interest development under
Section 4100 of the Civil Code without the express written authorization by the existing
association.
(2) For purposes of this subdivision, written authorization by the existing association means
approval by the board at a duly noticed board meeting, as defined in Section 4090 of the
Civil Code, and if needed pursuant to the existing association’s governing documents,
membership approval of the existing association.
(h) An accessory dwelling unit shall be sold or otherwise conveyed separate from the
primary residence only under the conditions outlined in this paragraph or pursuant to this
article.
(Added by Stats. 2024, Ch. 7, Sec. 20. (SB 477) Effective March 25, 2024.)