Existing law, the Planning and Zoning Law, authorizes a local agency, by ordinance or ministerial approval, to provide for the creation of accessory dwelling units in areas zoned for residential use, as specified. Existing law prohibits a local agency from denying a permit for an unpermitted accessory dwelling unit that was constructed before January 1, 2018, because the accessory dwelling unit is in violation of building standards or state or local standards applicable to accessory dwelling units, unless the local agency makes a finding that correcting the violation is necessary to protect the health and safety of the public or the occupants of the structure. Existing law makes those provisions inapplicable to a substandard building, as specified.

This bill would instead prohibit a local agency from denying a permit for an unpermitted accessory dwelling unit or junior accessory dwelling unit that was constructed before January 1, 2020, for those violations, unless the local agency makes a finding that correcting the violation is necessary to comply with conditions that would otherwise deem a building substandard. The bill would require a local agency to inform the public about the provisions prohibiting denial of a permit for an unpermitted accessory dwelling unit or junior accessory dwelling unit. The bill would require this information to include a checklist of the conditions that deem a building substandard and to inform homeowners that, before submitting a permit application, the homeowner may obtain a confidential third-party code inspection from a licensed contractor. The bill would prohibit a local agency from requiring a homeowner to pay impact fees or connection or capacity charges except under specified circumstances. By imposing additional duties on local agencies, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The bill would authorize an inspector from a local agency, upon receiving an application for a permit for a previously unpermitted accessory dwelling unit or junior accessory dwelling unit constructed before January 1, 2020, to inspect the unit for compliance with health and safety standards and provide recommendations to comply with health and safety standards. The bill would prohibit the local agency from penalizing an applicant for having the unpermitted accessory dwelling unit and would require the local agency to approve necessary permits to correct noncompliance with health and safety standards.

The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.

This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.