New Law Boosts Opportunities for Multifamily ADU Development – Effective January 1, 2025
Attention Multifamily Property Owners!
A significant change is coming with SB 1211, signed into law on September 19, 2024, and effective on January 1, 2025. This legislation greatly expands opportunities for constructing Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) on multifamily properties. Here’s what you need to know:
Key Changes Under SB 1211:
Increased ADU Limits: You can now build up to eight (8) detached ADUs per parcel for multifamily properties. The previous limit was two. These units must comply with Government Code § 66323(a)(4), which includes an 18-foot height limit and 4-foot rear/side yard setbacks. This higher unit cap reduces per-unit costs and enables better scalability.
Multiple Legal Parcels: If your multifamily project consists of multiple legal parcels, you can develop clusters of eight ADUs per parcel.
Parking Conversion: ADUs can be added by converting or replacing garages, carports, or parking spaces without needing to replace the lost parking.
Transit Proximity: For properties within half a mile of public transit, no parking is required for new ADUs.
Livable Space Definition: The law now defines "Livable Space" as any space intended for habitation, which clarifies what spaces are eligible for ADU conversions.
Design Standards: Municipalities cannot impose additional design or development standards beyond those authorized by Government Code § 66323.
In addition, SB 1077 mandates the California Coastal Commission to guide municipalities in developing ADU-friendly regulations, and AB 2533 (yet to be signed) aims to enhance ADU amnesty laws.
*Credit Allen Matkins
