ADU/JADU Parity

AB 1154 clarifies rules that cover Junior Accessory Dwelling Units – ADUs built within an existing home’s building envelope (including the garage) – to make it faster and easier to construct these popular and affordable types of housing.

The California Legislature’s efforts to increase ADU construction has led to the construction of over 85,000 new, affordable ADUs across the state. These rules made it easier and faster to build ADUs and Junior ADUs (JADUs) on a variety of properties, giving homeowners a powerful incentive to build them.

However, current laws governing small ADUs have created confusion, with overlapping definitions and standards that lead to slower approvals, or on occasion, denial of legally valid projects. This is especially true for smaller ADUs built within existing space in a single family home (“JADUs.”).

AB 1154 corrects these redundancies and creates a single set of standards for ADUs under 500 square feet, making it easier for homeowners to access the benefits and flexibility small ADUs can create.

Updates

  • AB 1154 was introduced on February 21, 2025.

Authors

  • Juan Carrillo (AD 39)

Sponsors

  • California YIMBY
  • Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis

Resources