Help for California’s Housing Crisis Is in the Backyard
How a “granny unit” in the garage makes homeowners part of the solution.
Welcome to the neighborhood.
Photographer: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
California is in the midst of a housing crisis, and homeowners opposed to development in their neighborhoods are making it worse. The state is trying a new approach: Turn some of them into mini-developers. It’s a smart idea that deserves Governor Gavin Newsom’s support.
The state recently passed legislation to ease zoning restrictions and expedite approval for so-called accessory dwelling units, or ADUs. A trio of bills would make it easier for Californians to convert a garage into a “granny unit” or to build a modest “casita” of, say, 750 square feet in the backyard and rent it out. Owners would be prohibited from using the structures for short-term rentals, but would be exempt from some local ordinances, such as those requiring off-street parking, large lot sizes or owner occupancy. The permitting process would be cut in half, from 120 to 60 days, and local fees would be regulated.