NEW! ADU Equity Strategies Resource

In recent years, against the backdrop of a housing affordability crisis and significant changes to state laws, Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) have become more popular and easier to build in California. In the context of dire affordable housing supply needs, no single approach is a silver bullet. Still, ADUs and other small housing types increasingly feature prominently in discussions about equity-driven housing solutions.

Local governments, nonprofits, and mission-driven entrepreneurs across the state and country have been hard at work developing and testing new ways to use ADUs to drive more equitable housing outcomes. The purpose of this report is to summarize promising practices elevated by practitioners and experts working to advance equitable outcomes in the ADU and small housing space.

Pre-Reviewed Plan Programs Guidebook

Many cities are turning to pre-reviewed ADU plans programs to help reduce costs and shorten timelines for homeowners embarking on this complex project. A well-designed program has the potential to raise community awareness of what’s possible for homeowners, reduce staff time for jurisdictions, improve the process for repeatability of plans used before, shorten the design phase and lower associated costs, and assist local builders/designers in connecting with interested homeowners.

Casita Coalition created these guidelines to share best practices for program design with jurisdictions, provide a resource for ADU professionals considering whether to submit their plans, and to help homeowners decide if a pre-reviewed ADU plan set is right for them.

Legalizing Unpermitted ADUs

Recognizing the vital role that this form of housing plays in our communities, some cities and counties are working to reduce costs and streamline the process of legalization.

Casita Coalition created these guidelines to help homeowners and ADU professionals.

SB 9 Guidance Memo for Professionals

Our SB 9 guidebook has been revamped with new, detailed information for professionals.

Multifamily ADU Guidebook

Can you add an ADU to a multi-unit building? Absolutely - and this is the guidance memo that will tell you how to do it.

ADU Best Practices Guide

Our best practices guide is the result of an entire year of conversations with local governments, nonprofits, and other middle housing professionals who are working to add ADUs to their communities. This is the ultimate point of reference for ADU adoption on the local level.

ADU Finance Guidebook

Prepared by Casita Coalition’s Finance working group, this guide is intended to help California homeowners understand the many options for financing the construction or legalization of an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU). It describes eleven different financing strategies that are specifically intended for ADUs.

Garage Conversion Guidebook

Casita Coalition’s Local Government working group has prepared guidance on Garage Conversions including a summary of relevant state laws and a list of FAQs.