Streamlining the Permit Process

California law currently requires local governments to act on ADU and JADU applications within 60 days. The new bill enhances this process by adding specific procedural safeguards:

• Application completeness review: Agencies must determine whether an ADU or JADU application is complete within 15 business days of submission.

• Written notice requirement: If incomplete, the agency must notify the applicant in writing, listing missing items and explaining how to fix them.

• Right to cure and appeal: Applicants can correct deficiencies, and if the agency later denies the application, it must offer an appeal process and issue a final written decision within 60 business days of receiving the appeal.

Importantly, if a city or county has not adopted a compliant ordinance, ADU and JADU applications must still be processed under ministerial approval, meaning the local government cannot delay or deny the project based on unrelated local rules or policies.

Impact Fees and Utility Connections

To reduce barriers to construction, California limits how local governments and utilities can assess impact fees and connection charges for ADUs. The new bill extends those same protections to JADUs.

Specifically:

• No impact fees may be charged for ADUs up to 750 square feet or JADUs up to 500 square feet of interior livable space.

• For larger ADUs, fees must be proportional to the size of the primary dwelling.

• The same restrictions on requiring new or separate utility connections now also apply to JADUs, except in limited circumstances allowed by law.

This bill reinforces California's commitment to expanding small-scale housing opportunities by aligning the regulatory treatment of ADUs and JADUs. By clarifying definitions, expanding HCD oversight, limiting local discretion, and simplifying the approval process, the legislation seeks to make it easier for homeowners to create legal, affordable living spaces across the state.

At The Law Office of Steve Lopez, we help property owners, developers, and contractors stay ahead of California's constantly evolving housing and construction laws. Our team closely monitors legislative updates affecting ADUs, JADUs, and residential zoning so clients can make informed decisions and avoid costly compliance issues. Whether you're planning to build, facing delays due to conflicting agency requirements, or need guidance on local ordinance challenges, our office can help you navigate the permitting process, resolve regulatory obstacles, and protect your project timelines. Contact us today for a consultation to ensure your project moves forward smoothly under California's new housing standards.