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

Amtrak Ramping Up Infrastructure Projects
Thanks to federal funding from the 2021 infrastructure act, the agency plans to triple its investment in infrastructure improvements and new routes in the next two years.

Ending Downtown San Francisco’s ‘Doom Loop’
A new public space project offers an ambitious vision—so why is the city implementing it at such a small scale?

Proposal Would Transform L.A.’s ‘Freeway to Nowhere’ Into Park, Housing
A never-completed freeway segment could see new life as a mixed-use development with housing, commercial space, and one of the county’s largest parks.

Santa Cruz Transit Looks to Expand
A small transit agency in Northern California is making ambitious expansion plans.

Advancing Park Equity Through Needs Assessments
City Parks Alliance, in partnership with Prevention Institute, recently hosted a webinar about park equity and collaboration, focusing on the Los Angeles Countywide Parks Needs Assessment.

California Impact Fees Reach Supreme Court
An upcoming ruling could have a major impact on building and development in California and around the country.
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