Governor Jerry Brown has signed AB 2299, which will encourage the development of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) as a way to increase the housing supply. Authored by Assemblymember Richard Bloom (D – Santa Monica), AB 2299 passed both houses of the legislature with bipartisan support and is backed by a broad coalition of social justice and housing organizations.
“California’s affordable housing crisis is a complex problem that demands creative solutions,” said Assemblymember Bloom. “Accessory dwelling units are an ideal and affordable housing option for many individuals throughout this state; this bill will help increase the housing supply by removing barriers to the construction of these units.”
AB 2299 requires local governments to adopt accessory dwelling unit ordinances. Also known as second units or “granny flats”, ADUs are a creative affordable housing option often used by college students, elderly parents, or disabled individuals who need to live close to their families. Unfortunately, individuals who want to build these units are often caught in a web of cost-prohibitive local regulations that discourage the construction of ADUs. AB 2299 will ease and streamline current statewide regulations for ADUs by permitting local governments to adopt ADU ordinances and by adding specifications for what is required of those ordinances. These specifications include prohibiting the need for a passageway, increasing the permissible size of the units, and eliminating some parking requirements.
“AB 2299 targets the barriers facing the construction of a specific kind of affordable housing, and in doing so, helps chip away at California’s complex and far-reaching housing crisis,” said Assemblymember Bloom.
Richard Bloom represents California’s 50th Assembly District, which comprises the communities of Agoura Hills, Bel Air, Beverly Hills, Brentwood, Hollywood, Malibu, Pacific Palisades, Santa Monica, Topanga, West Hollywood, and West Los Angeles.
- Submitted by Nardos Girma Office of Assemblyman Richard Bloom
