Legislation update: AB 68, AB 881, and SB 13 address California’s housing crisis through ADUs.

At New Avenue, we are all about solving the housing crisis and empowering homeowners.

That means changing the way housing works in places like California, where we are facing a shortage of three to four million units. If you’ve been with us for a while, you know that one of the smartest ways to address this shortage is through accessory dwelling units (also called ADUs, backyard cottages, guest houses, in-law apartments, and a whole slew of other names).

Well, we have some good news. Three bills under consideration in California would help increase the supply of homes and give homeowners more freedom with their property.

We first told our readers about these bills in July. The bills are making rapid progress, but they haven’t passed into law yet.

AB 68 makes it harder for city governments to stop the construction of ADUs. It also gives homeowners the power to build a second ADU on their property. It will dramatically increase the number of new homes available in California.

Status as of 9/16/19: AB 68 has passed and is headed to the governor’s desk.

Learn more about AB 68.

AB 881 gets rid of owner-occupancy requirements for ADUs. Some cities require the owner of the property to live in either the main home or the ADU; AB 881 would prohibit this restriction, allowing more property owners to add housing.

Status as of 9/16/19: AB 881 has passed and is headed to the governor’s desk.

Learn more about AB 881.

SB 13 is a combination of AB 68 and AB 881 under consideration in the state senate.

Status as of 9/16/19: SB 13 has passed and is headed to the governor’s desk.

Learn more about SB 13.

If passed, these bills will give homeowners more freedom in what they do with their property. The law would allow Californians to build homes that would make their lives, their family’s lives, and their tenants’ lives better.

The laws would give renters more access to quality housing and more choice in where to live. That’s what New Avenue has always stood for.

California has made so much progress over the last decade, and we’re thrilled to see even more work being done on the state level. But the work isn’t done yet. We urge you to contact the governor’s office in support of these bills. Tell your neighbors, friends, and coworkers. Let’s spread the word and change housing for the better.

As a state, we are on our way to better cities, and the nation is watching.

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