California YIMBY Applauds Passage of Historic ADU Legislation

New Law Allows Three Housing Units on Every Parcel in California

Statement from California YIMBY President & CEO Brian Hanlon

Sacramento, CA – Today California YIMBY released the following statement celebrating the historic passage of a package of bills that could triple housing supply in the state:

“The passage of AB 68, along with SB 13 and AB 881, fundamentally shifts the landscape for building new homes in our state,” said Brian Hanlon, co-founder and President of California YIMBY. “When the Governor signs these bills into law, almost every residential property in the state will be allowed to build three units of housing — including in areas zoned for single family homes.”

Under AB 68, homeowners who apply to build accessory dwelling units, or “granny flats,” can also apply to build a second, “junior” ADU on their property — the functional equivalent of statewide triplex zoning. While the new rules don’t allow the subdivision of properties for sale, they could unleash a “golden age” of ADU construction across the state, leading to a significant increase in housing supply. 

AB 881 and SB 13 provide additional incentives for ADU creation by streamlining permit processes, reducing fees, and removing rules that inhibited the construction of ADUs by requiring homeowners to live on-site.

“California YIMBY is honored to have sponsored AB 68 and AB 881, landmark bills that will likely lead to tens of thousands of new homes across our state,” Hanlon said. “And SB 13, which we strongly supported, is a vital and complementary piece of legislation that, combined with the others, represent a win-win for homeowners, renters, and cities everywhere that are struggling to accommodate more homes. 

“We’re proud to have supported the legislative leadership of Asm. Phil Ting (San Francisco – AB 68), Asm. Richard Bloom (Santa Monica – AB 881), and Sen. Bob Wieckowski (Fremont – SB 13) to address the root cause of the housing crisis: There aren’t enough homes. Today is a huge step forward on making sure California is affordable for everyone.”