The topic of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU’s) is a hot one… and one we could also describe in terms of the good, the bad and the ugly. With Bay Area housing affordability at an all-time low and the need for housing at a continued high… many people have hoped that ADU’s could be the answer to the Bay Area housing crisis.
While California has passed several reforms in 2016 and 2017 to ideally make the addition of an ADU more attainable and accessible for homeowners, applications have drastically increased – but challenges in completion have not necessarily decreased. The Peninsula Press reports that while homeowners are applying for ADU permits at higher rates than ever before, the completion rate is barely more than half.
For a little perspective on the increased interest in ADU’s, consider that in 2015, the City of San Jose received 28 applications for new ADU’s in 2015, 45 applications in 2016… and 205 in 2017. The City’s updated zoning ordinance has allowed San Jose to approve more applications, and on July 27, 2018 ~ another set of changes go into effect “ to enable even more single-family properties to qualify for an ADU and ease associated requirements”, according to the City of San Jose website.
But the question remains… is it really any easier? Well… the measures of ease and value are different for every homeowner, but it can be worth it if you can navigate the process. According to Tony Chan, founder of Palo Alto-based ADU Builder, Inc, “An average homeowner with no experience will have a hard time understanding what the city wants, especially when the building codes are all different for all cities”. He believes that there is much work to be done in terms of the permitting process if homeowners are to feel less strain.
Here is the good news… Jason has recently completed the process for ADU approval in the City of Campbell, and Mark has extensive builder experience as a whole! Should you decide to embark on the ADU journey, you are not alone! We’ve also included links to the ADU information pages for San Jose, City and Los Gatos below. We strive to be your ongoing resource for everything real estate here in Silicon Valley.
LOCAL RESOURCES:
City of San Jose: Secondary Units or Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) (CLICK HERE)
This page also includes a useful table with side-by-side comparisons of existing regulations and those that will take effect on July 27th.
City of Campbell: Accessory Dwelling Units (CLICK HERE)
This link provides access to the actual city code, including: purpose, definitions, minimum standards for eligibility, development standards, general requirements and restrictions and the approval process.
Los Gatos: Accessory Dwelling Unit Information (CLICK HERE)
The link above leads to a useful page with a summary of the regulations that have changed, links to FAQ’s plus direct access to the 3-page application.
NEWS RESOURCES
Peninsula Press: Despite efforts, challenges still remain for those wanting ADUs
Multi-Housing News: Are ADUs the Answer to San Francisco’s Affordable Housing Crisis?
BISNOW: Architects See Housing Crisis Solutions In Design Innovations
Mercury News: San Jose relaxes rules around granny flats
All our best,
Mark & Jason