New California ADU Bills that went into effect January 1, 2025

Assembly Bill 2533 

Addresses unpermitted ADUs or garage conversions built before Jan 1, 2020. Local city building departments must allow illegal units to be permitted as long as they meet health and safety codes. Under AB 2533, local agencies must provide owners with unpermitted ADUs a checklist of “substandard” conditions that must be repaired or upgraded in order to receive a city permit. The new law also prohibits local agencies from charging penalties, impact fees, or connection fees for unpermitted ADUs as long as they do not require any new utility connections.

Senate Bill 1211 

Currently, multi-family zoned properties are allowed up to two detached ADUs. SB 1211 will increase the maximum number of detached ADUs to eight, as long as the number of ADUs does not exceed the existing number of units within the multi-family dwelling and meets the setback and height requirements. These new ADU units can be built at existing uncovered parking areas and will not require off-street replacement parking.

Senate Bill 1077

Simplifies the permitting process for ADUs and JADUs within the California Coastal Zone. By July 1, 2026, The California Coastal Commission must provide local governments clear guidance on amending their local coastal program to streamline the process of approving ADUs. The guidance should make the process of building an ADU in the coastal zone faster and easier for most property owners.