Over the past two years the Healdsburg City Council has demonstrated its commitment to identifying lower cost housing solutions that allow our residents to live more affordably in our community. Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU), often referred to as second units, in-law units or granny flats are additional living quarters built on single-family lots that are independent of the single family residence.
ADUs offer smaller, separate living spaces, equipped with kitchen and bathroom facilities. Because they can be constructed on lots with an already existing home they don’t require the purchase of land or construction of expensive new infrastructure. By their very nature, ADUs offer lower cost housing and provide excellent housing opportunities for multi-generational family members, caregivers, empty nesters, young adults and those just entering the workforce. They also offer financial benefits, helping homeowners offset costs by providing rental income. For these reasons and others, ADUs have long been recognized as a form of lower cost housing that can benefit homeowners, increase a community’s housing supply and be designed and built compatibly within existing neighborhoods, preserving community character.
Recognizing that ADUs can help meet the demand for housing in our community, on February 6, the council took action in conformance with state law to lessen the regulations governing the development of ADUs and to significantly reduce the impact fees required to construct them. Under the new regulations, ADUs can be constructed on a lot with an existing single family residence (or where one is allowed) and can be built within an existing residence, attached to an existing residence, or detached from it.
An ADU may be as much as 850 square feet in size and up to two stories. ADUs may also be located within an existing living space or a converted garage. Parking is no longer required to be provided for ADUs, significantly reducing regulatory barriers and costs of construction.
To ensure compatibility and preserve the character of our existing neighborhoods, ADUs must incorporate similar architectural features, colors and materials as the existing single family residence. The impact fees required to construct ADUs have also been significantly reduced; impact fees for a 600 square foot ADU on a lot with a 1,350 square foot single family residence now cost approximately $8,631.60, a reduction of nearly 50 percent.
To help facilitate the construction of ADUs the city has implemented a streamlined ADU permit process, creating the One-Stop Assistance Center to help property owners interested in constructing an ADU. If you are considering an ADU on your property, you can receive personalized information and one-on-one assistance through the city’s One-Stop Assistance Center, on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The One-Stop is at no cost to the applicant and is staffed by members of the planning, building, public works and fire departments to answer all your questions regarding ADU development.
To schedule an appointment for a One-Stop meeting, call the Community Development Center at 431-3346. To learn more about how you can construct an ADU on your property, visit www.cityofhealdsburg.org/DocumentCenter/View/7203.
Karen Massey is the Community Housing and Development Director for the city of Healdsburg.
