Effective January 1, this year many Californians will find it easier to obtain local permission to construct a second unit, mother-in-law quarter, granny flat, or whatever you choose to call it. This is a result of Assembly Bill 2299 (Bloom) which was signed by the Governor September 27, 2016. It amends Section 56852.2 of the California Government Code.
The bill provides one small, but real, step in the attempts to deal with California’s chronic shortage of housing stock, especially affordable housing stock. According to supporting arguments supplied by the California Apartment Association (the bill’s sponsor), “California is struggling to meet the needs of its citizens when it comes to housing, especially housing that is affordable near job centers and public transportation. By promoting the developments of second units, AB 2299 will help alleviate our housing shortage, while capitalizing on limited resources. While second units can serve as much needed rental housing, they can also provide homes for college students, elderly parents, or individuals with disabilities, who need to live close to their families or teachers who can provide them support. By providing for the efficient approval of second units, you will bring units to the housing market sooner and will make them more affordable.”
