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Bill

SB 9

Accessory Dwelling Units: ordinances.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jesse Arreguín and 1 co-sponsor

California requires cities to allow accessory dwelling units on residential properties and limits local restrictions to increase housing supply statewide.

Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter 510, Statutes of 2025.
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Bill Summary · SB 9

Legislative bill overview

SB 9 requires California cities and counties to allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on residential properties and restricts local governments' ability to impose excessive fees, parking requirements, or other barriers to ADU development. The bill streamlines the approval process for ADUs to increase housing supply in the state.

Why is this important

California faces a severe housing shortage that has driven up costs significantly. By removing local obstacles to ADUs—which are smaller, more affordable housing units on existing residential lots—the state aims to increase housing availability without requiring large new developments. This directly addresses affordability and homelessness issues that impact quality of life across the state.

Potential points of contention

  • Local control vs. state mandates: Cities and counties lose zoning authority over ADU development, which some view as state overreach into local land-use decisions
  • Neighborhood character and parking: Communities worry about increased density, traffic, and parking strain in established residential neighborhoods
  • Infrastructure capacity: Local governments may lack sufficient water, sewer, and utility infrastructure to support additional housing units without expensive upgrades residents must fund
  • Developer incentives vs. affordability: While easing development, the bill doesn't guarantee ADUs remain affordable, potentially allowing market-rate pricing that doesn't solve affordability for low-income residents

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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