Palos Verdes Estates, CA
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Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), sometimes called “casitas,” “granny flats,” or backyard homes, are small residential units located on the same property as a primary home. ADUs can be detached, attached, or created within existing space such as a garage or portion of the home.
Why ADUs Are Being Encouraged Statewide
California is experiencing a longstanding housing shortage and affordability crisis. In response, the State Legislature has enacted a series of laws to expand housing opportunities in existing neighborhoods—particularly through ADUs.
State law identifies ADUs as an “essential component” of California’s housing supply and has made it easier for homeowners to build them by reducing regulatory barriers and streamlining approvals.
As part of this effort, the State has strengthened requirements for cities and counties to allow ADUs in residential zones and to process applications ministerially (without discretionary review) when objective standards are met.
State Law Framework
ADU development in California is governed by Government Code Sections 66310–66342 (formerly §65852.2), which establish uniform standards across the state.
Key provisions of State law include:
- Ministerial approval: Cities must approve ADU applications that meet objective standards without public hearings.
- Limited local restrictions: Cities cannot impose standards that conflict with state law or prevent ADU construction.
- Streamlined timelines: Complete applications must generally be approved or denied within 60 days.
- Minimum development rights: Property owners are typically allowed at least one ADU (and often a junior ADU) on residential lots.
Recent legislation continues to expand ADU opportunities and ensure consistency statewide. For example, new laws effective in 2025–2026 clarify that local regulations inconsistent with State ADU law may be invalid and unenforceable.
Local Role: Protecting Community Character
While State law significantly limits local discretion, cities still play an important role in ensuring that ADUs are thoughtfully integrated into the community.
Our City is committed to:
- Maintaining the character of established neighborhoods
- Applying objective design standards related to height, setbacks, and compatibility
- Protecting public safety, infrastructure capacity, and environmental resources
- Ensuring new housing fits sensitively within existing residential areas
State law allows cities to adopt objective standards (such as size, height, setbacks, and design requirements), provided those standards do not preclude ADU development.
Housing Element and State Requirements
California law requires every city and county to plan for its fair share of housing needs through its Housing Element, which is part of the General Plan. In Palos Verdes estates the state is requiring planning and space for 199 units in the current cycle.
The Housing Element must:
- Identify opportunities for housing at all income levels
- Demonstrate adequate zoning and development capacity
- Comply with State-mandated housing goals and allocations (RHNA)
- Be reviewed and certified by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD)
ADUs are an important strategy identified by the State to help communities meet these housing obligations while minimizing impacts to neighborhood form.
Benefits of ADUs
ADUs offer a range of benefits for residents and the community:
For Homeowners
- Provide supplemental rental income
- Allow aging in place or housing for family members
- Increase property flexibility and long-term value
For the Community
- Add housing without large-scale redevelopment
- Provide relatively more affordable, smaller housing options
- Support workforce housing and local economic stability
- Help the City meet State housing requirements
For Neighborhood Compatibility
- Typically smaller in scale than new subdivisions or multifamily buildings
- Located within existing neighborhoods
- Can be designed to complement existing homes
Our Commitment
The City recognizes both the importance of addressing the regional housing crisis and the need to preserve the unique character of our community.
The City is committed to:
- Complying with State housing laws
- Implementing our certified Housing Element
- Providing clear, predictable ADU standards
- Supporting homeowners through the ADU process
- Ensuring thoughtful, context-sensitive neighborhood development