New state legislation will kick in at the start of the new year easing restrictions on ADUs.

"Cities like La Cañada Flintridge will be forced in 2020 to throw open the doors for the construction and proliferation of accessory dwelling units, when several new state measures overriding municipal limitations on the structures take effect Jan. 1," writes Sara Cardine.
The new law allows ADUs up to 800 square feet as well as an additional junior ADU attached to the primary residence on a property. Side and rear setbacks for ADU buildings will also be reduced to 4 feet, and applications will not require commission reviews.
La Cañada was considering an urgency ordinance to replace the city’s existing ADU regulations with a revised ordinance that allows property owners to designate separate addresses and utility accounts.
However, the vote was postponed and state regulations will take effect at the start of the new year until the city council puts a regular ordinance in place. "Even then, the laws will mostly mirror state regulations, as cities can make only minor additional amendments regarding hillside development standards under the new state law," notes Cardine.
FULL STORY: Built-out La Cañada must open doors for accessory dwelling units, state says

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

Pedestrian Deaths Drop, Remain Twice as High as in 2009
Fatalities declined by 4 percent in 2024, but the U.S. is still nowhere close to ‘Vision Zero.’

King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.

Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie