SAN FRANCISCO—Accessory Dwelling Units/ADU conversions are nowlegal throughout California, thanks to landmark by-right ADU lawssigned by the governor in 2017 and 2020 that address the state'shousing crisis. These laws not only give Californians the tools toease the housing crisis, but more imminently, the healthcrisis.

"It is heartening to know that there was strong and widespreadlegislative support for these groundbreaking laws that deliverclear benefits to needy households in California, but theCalifornia ADU by-right laws are so recent that many Californiansare unaware of them," Denise Pinkston, partner, TMG Partners, andfounder/president, The Casita Coalition, tells GlobeSt.com. "ADUs,also known as grannie flats or second units, are cheaper to build,attractive to renters who want to stay in their neighborhoods andnow are easier than ever to create."

In 2017, California legalized the conversion of existingbuildings such as garages and basements on single-family lots toADUs. On January 1, 2020, this law expanded to allow everysingle-family homeowner to add both an ADU and a junior ADU,including a new structure in the yard. Specs can include a new800-square-foot freestanding 16-foot-tall structure within 4 feetof back- and side-yard lines, regardless of lot coverage or otherzoning requirements.