Backyard cottages, known as accessory dwelling units, are touted as one solution to the rising cost of housing.
Writing for KCRA, Maricela De La Cruz reports that “In Sacramento County, ADU permits nearly tripled from 2021 to 2022, and last year alone, 237 units were completed in the region, according to data from the California Department of Housing and Community Development.”
A spokesperson for the county said “they don't know why there's been a sharp increase in ADU permits, but suspect it could be due to high rent and the need for more affordable housing.”
At the state level, two proposed bills could further boost ADU construction in California. “Assembly Bill 1033 would allow cities to decide whether property owners can sell ADUs separately, and Assembly Bill 976 would permanently ban local ordinances that require property owners to live in their ADUs and allow them to rent out the properties.”
FULL STORY: Sacramento County sees sharp increase in Accessory Dwelling Unit permits amid CA housing crisis
Reno Revisits Zoning Reform
After roundly rejecting a proposal to legalize granny flats in 2018, the city council is revising it and other zoning reform proposals that could increase the city’s affordable housing supply.
ADU Demand Grows Across the West Coast
In communities from California to Washington, permit applications for accessory dwelling units outpace the ability of permitting and construction to keep pace.
Berkeley Launches ADU Amnesty Program
Owners of unpermitted accessory dwelling units can bring their units up to code and obtain certificates of compliance without facing penalties.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.
USGS Water Science Centers Targeted for Closure
If their work is suspended, states could lose a valuable resource for monitoring, understanding, and managing water resources.
Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation
California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.
Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.
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