Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) have been known by many names: granny flats, in-law units, backyard cottages, and secondary units. An ADU is essentially a smaller, independent residential dwelling unit located on the same lot as the main residential dwelling.
Junior ADUs (JADUs) are even smaller living units (ranging in size from 220 to 500 square feet) that are created through the conversion of living space within an existing single family home.
ADUs and JADUs are important housing types because they:
- Are an affordable type of home to construct in California,
- Provide a source of income for homeowners,
- Allow extended families to be near one another while maintaining privacy,
- Provide as much living space as many newly-built apartments and condominiums, and
- Give homeowners the flexibility to share independent living areas with family members, and others, allowing seniors to age in place as they require more care.
How is California and the City of Monrovia streamlining ADU development?
Much of recent state housing legislation focuses on increasing the production of Accessory Dwelling Units. In 2020, several ADU laws went into effect. The overall intent of the bills was to reduce local regulatory barriers and costs, further streamline the approval process, and expand the potential for ADU and Junior ADU development. In accordance with the state legislation, Monrovia updated its ADU Ordinance in October of 2020.
To further streamline the approval of ADUs and JADUs in the City, the City Council directed staff to work with Sagecrest Planning+Environmental, a land use consultant, to produce appropriate design guidelines, as well as create a handout that will give guidance on navigating the permitting process (e.g., frequently missed items on plan check, submittal requirements, etc.), and architectural standards to encourage consistency between existing development and proposed ADUs. This project is currently underway. Additional resources can be found by clicking the following links:
