Three new ADU bills have officially been signed by Governor Newsom and are going into effect in 2025!
If you’ve been following ADUs for a while, you know that California has been making great strides in ADU regulations since 2017. Policymakers show no signs of slowing down anytime soon. These three new bills are further loosening the reigns and making ADUs more accessible than ever before.
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And without further ado, let’s see what’s in store for ADU regulations in 2025.
SB 1211 (Skinner) – Multi-Family ADUs
The big news with SB 1211 is its major impact on multi-family properties. Under current law, local agencies must approve up to two detached ADUs on lots with existing multi-family buildings. But starting in 2025, SB 1211 will increase that number significantly. Property owners will now be able to build up to eight detached ADUs on a multi-family lot. This is permissible long as the number of new ADUs doesn’t exceed the number of existing units on the property. If you have a proposed multi-family building, you’ll still be able to add up to two detached ADUs.
This expansion is a game-changer for developers and property owners looking to maximize their investments and create additional housing units, especially in high-density areas where space is at a premium.
SB 1211 also introduces a change to parking requirements. If you’re demolishing or converting uncovered parking spaces to build an ADU, local agencies will no longer be able to require you to replace those parking spots. Previously, this exemption only applied to garages, carports, and other covered structures, but this new law extends it to any parking space.
Additionally, the bill tightens up rules around local regulations. It prohibits local agencies from imposing any additional development or design standards that aren’t specifically authorized by state law. That means as long as your ADU project follows the state guidelines, local governments won’t be able to slow things down with unnecessary restrictions.
And finally, SB 1211 provides some clarity around what counts as “livable space” for ADU purposes. This term now officially refers to areas within a dwelling intended for human habitation—spaces like bedrooms, kitchens, bathrooms, and living rooms.
AB 2533 (Carrillo) – Unpermitted ADUs
AB 2533 provides much-needed relief to homeowners with unpermitted accessory dwelling units (ADUs) or junior accessory dwelling units (JADUs) built before January 1, 2020. This new law stops local agencies from denying permits for these unpermitted units solely because they violate certain building or safety standards—unless those violations are necessary to protect public health and safety or the occupants.
This bill extends the timeline for unpermitted ADUs that can be permitted under these more lenient terms. Previously, this only applied to ADUs constructed before 2018, but now, if your unit was built before 2020, you’re in the clear to apply for a permit without the risk of automatic rejection due to non-compliance.
One of the standout provisions of AB 2533 is its emphasis on transparency. Local agencies must now inform homeowners about this permitting option, helping people with unpermitted units understand their rights more easily. Homeowners will also receive a checklist of what qualifies as “substandard” conditions, helping them navigate the process more effectively. Plus, homeowners can choose to have a confidential third-party inspection from a licensed contractor to assess what needs to be done to bring their ADU up to code before applying for a permit.
Another homeowner-friendly change is that local agencies can’t charge impact fees, connection fees, or capacity charges for these unpermitted ADUs or JADUs. The only exception is if they meet specific criteria, like adding new connections or services. This removes a significant financial barrier for many homeowners.
If you’re worried about penalties for having an unpermitted unit, AB 2533 has you covered. The law explicitly prohibits local agencies from penalizing homeowners who apply for permits on previously unpermitted ADUs. Instead, inspectors will focus on recommending changes to bring the unit up to health and safety standards.
SB 1077 (Blakespear) – ADUs in Coastal Zones
Rounding out our list of new ADU bills, SB 1077 which will bring a big sigh of relief for those of you with properties in a California coastal zone.
The California Coastal Act of 1976 heavily regulates development in these areas to protect coastal resources, and this has historically made it difficult for homeowners in coastal regions to build ADUs and junior ADUs (JADUs). But with SB 1077, that’s about to change.
By July 1, 2026, the California Coastal Commission, in coordination with the Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), must provide local governments with clear guidance on amending their local coastal programs.These amendments will streamline the process for approving ADUs and JADUs within the coastal zone, ensuring that property owners in these regions face fewer obstacles when trying to develop their land.
The bill also emphasizes public input. The Coastal Commission and HCD will host at least one public workshop to gather comments on the draft guidance, ensuring coastal community members can provide input on how ADU development is handled. Once finalized, they will post the guidance on both the Coastal Commission and HCD websites, providing transparency and easy access for homeowners and local agencies.
Next Steps in Your ADU Project
California’s ADU laws continue to evolve, and with new bills like SB 1211, AB 2533, and SB 1077 going into effect in 2025, homeowners are getting even more opportunities to build their dream accessory dwelling units. Whether you’re looking to expand your property, generate rental income, or create a flexible living space for family members, these changes make it easier to navigate the process—especially for those in multi-family or coastal zones.
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