Newsletter

Berkeley ADU Fair this Saturday, May 6

Dear Berkeley Resident,

Over the past few years, California has passed new laws to make it easier for homeowners in every community to build accessory dwelling units (ADUs), which are also known as granny flats, in-law units, or backyard cottages.

ADUs are an effective option for adding much-needed housing. Today, nearly 20% of new housing units built in California are ADUs, or about 20,000 new homes each year. That’s a sharp increase from a decade ago, when fewer than 800 ADUs were being built annually statewide. And the new ADU laws have streamlined the permit approval process, allowed larger units, and more.

This Saturday, May 6, from 10 a.m. to noon, an ADU fair will be held at the Berkeley Adult School, on 1701 San Pablo Ave between Francisco and Virginia streets.

The fair is hosted by the Alameda County Assessor’s office and features representatives from Alameda County, the city of Berkeley, and local utilities. It’s a great opportunity for Berkeley residents to learn about the local rules and regulations regarding building an ADU, or JADU (a smaller attached ADU, known as a junior accessory dwelling unit) or converting an existing structure.

The fair is free to attend. At the event, you’ll learn:

  • How to apply and obtain building permits
  • Local rules regarding setbacks and height limits
  • Neighborhood notifications and fees
  • Property assessment
  • Recording your ADU with the county
  • Utility hookups

The event will also include a raffles and fun prizes. To register for this Saturday’s ADU fair, click here.

I hope you find this information useful. It’s an honor serving you in the state Senate.

 

Sincerely,

Signature

Nancy Skinner
State Senator, District 9