California's Assembly Bill AB-68 is a law designed to make it easier and faster for homeowners to build ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units), sometimes called “granny flats” or “in-law suites.” The goal? Fight the housing crisis by allowing more people to add smaller, secondary homes on their property.
Fewer Restrictions for San Diego on Building ADUs
California Assembly Bill AB-68 is a housing law passed to help ease the state’s housing crisis by making it easier for homeowners to build Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) on their property. These ADUs, commonly known as granny flats, guest houses, or in-law suites, provide additional living space that can be rented out, used by family members, or simply add long-term value to your home.
Before AB-68, homeowners often faced a maze of red tape when trying to build an ADU — lengthy permit approvals, strict lot size requirements, mandatory parking additions, and local ordinances that made projects complicated or impossible. With AB-68, the process is streamlined. The law now requires local governments to approve ADU applications within 60 days, and it prohibits cities from enforcing minimum lot sizes, excessive fees, or parking requirements in many areas — especially if you're near public transit.
One of the key benefits of AB-68 is that it allows for more than one unit on the same residential lot. Homeowners can now build both a standard ADU and a Junior ADU (JADU) on a single-family property, greatly expanding housing possibilities. What’s more, the law temporarily removes the owner-occupancy requirement until 2025, meaning you don’t have to live on the property to build an ADU — which is a game-changer for investors or families managing multiple homes.
- Aassembly Bill 68: Read More
- San Diego ADU Grants: ADU Finance Programs
- California ADU Grants: CalHFA ADU Program
If you're a homeowner in the San Diego area looking to take advantage of these new benefits, ONE PHASE ADU is your trusted partner. As a San Diego Licensed General Contractor, ONE PHASE ADU specializes in designing, permitting, and building high-quality ADUs that fully comply with California state law, including AB-68. From garage conversions and detached backyard units to custom-designed guest houses, ONE PHASE ADU handles the entire process from start to finish — making it stress-free and efficient for homeowners.
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