Read the full article by Seth Sandronsky at Sacramento Business Journal
Accessory dwelling units are second living areas attached or not to an existing structure on a parcel of private property. Sometimes called “granny flats,” ADUs could offer a solution to the homeless crisis affecting the city of Sacramento, which has a plan for 45,000 housing units of several kinds by 2029.
Increasing the supply of housing to meet existing demand is a win-win on many levels. For instance, ADUs can provide shelter to caregivers attending to family members versus them having to leave home for such care — an expensive option. Further, ADUs can provide property owners with tenants who pay rent.
With multiple benefits of ADUs, a question arises as to getting started. This past January, the City of Sacramento began making available developed free permit-ready ADU plans for detached ADUs only that any resident can use for the following: studios of 367 square feet; one-bedrooms of 600 square feet and two-bedrooms of 747 square feet. As a cost-savings benefit, the pre-approved ADU plans waive impact fees for homeowners, which can range between $5,500 and $10,000.