The city is seeking input to help develop a program to encourage more accessory dwelling units to comply with new state housing laws. As part of a series of new California laws aimed at providing more affordable housing, the state now requires cities like Carlsbad to create incentives for homeowners to build “accessory dwelling units,” often called granny flats, on their properties. 

The program is one of several included in the city’s recently adopted Housing Plan Update that aim to help improve Carlsbad’s supply of future housing.

Survey

Take the online survey available through June 1, 2022.

Feedback gathered will be used by city staff to draft a package of incentives for the City Council’s consideration. We expect it will take about a year to have something ready to present.

Background

Due to a shortage of housing in California, the state has passed several new laws aimed at providing more affordable housing. These encourage cities like Carlsbad to create incentives for homeowners to build “accessory dwelling units,” often called granny flats, on their properties, and streamline the permit approval process.

In response, the city’s recently adopted Housing Plan Update (also called the Housing Element) includes the creation of a program to encourage homeowners to build accessory dwelling units on their properties. The program will:

• Include several sets of permit ready plans for standalone accessory dwelling units that meet state and local building standards
• Help customers who use the permit ready plans receive a building permit quickly and inexpensively

The cost to create the permit ready program is being funded through grants received from the California Department of Housing and Community Development.

More information
Project webpage
State of California ADU website
Eric Lardy, Principal Planner, eric.lardy@carlsbadca.gov, 442-339-2712