Accessory Dwelling Units Archives

Power lines stretch above homes on a curvy, tree-lined street in the Berkeley Hills.

Update: State housing regulators shot down Berkeley’s limits on cottages in the hills. Will the city court another fight?

by Nico Savidge Sept. 20, 2023, 10:45 a.m.September 20, 2023

The City Council deadlocked on a parking requirement for ADUs in the hills Tuesday, pushing a decision to its Oct. 3 meeting.

City

Berkeley rules limiting ADUs in hills violate state law, housing agency says

by Nico Savidge Oct. 27, 2022, 12:26 p.m.February 5, 2023

The City Council will have to decide whether to change its restrictions on cottages and in-law units, or challenge the state.

City

Worried about wildfires, City Council limits number of ADUs in Berkeley Hills

by Nico Savidge Jan. 26, 2022, 4:52 p.m.August 16, 2022

Critics say the move won’t make the Berkeley Hills safer during a wildfire, but will block new housing from wealthy neighborhoods.

City

Building a cottage in your Berkeley yard? Just make sure to tell the neighbors.

by Nico Savidge Jan. 19, 2022, 4:26 p.m.February 5, 2023

Homeowners in the Berkeley flatlands can now build two-story accessory dwelling units in their yards — as long as they inform their neighbors and tenants first.

City

2-story backyard homes approved in Berkeley flats; rules in hills will take more study

by Nico Savidge Oct. 27, 2021, 4:56 p.m.February 5, 2023

Homeowners outside the hills could get quick approval for accessory dwelling units up to 20 feet tall under new regulations.

City

City grapples with housing crisis, fire danger as it writes rules for ADUs in hills

by Nico Savidge Oct. 24, 2021, 7:00 a.m.February 5, 2023

New state laws require swift approval for many ADU projects. Should those rules be more strict in areas facing wildfire risk?

City

‘They just started jack-hammering’: Berkeley tenants blindsided by ADU that abuts sidewalk

by Supriya Yelimeli April 09, 2021, 4:50 p.m.February 5, 2023

While the accessory dwelling unit is legal, these South Berkeley tenants are upset they were not informed it was coming.

City

What’s on the Berkeley ballot? Pay raises for mayor and council, Uber surcharge, new police oversight, more

by Frances Dinkelspiel Aug. 05, 2020, 4:00 p.m.August 4, 2022

There will be eight Berkeley measures on the Nov. 3 ballot. Here’s what to expect.

Housing & Development

Berkeley rent board wants voters to add rent control measures to certain duplexes and ADUs

by Frances Dinkelspiel May 21, 2020, 1:22 p.m.August 4, 2022

The proposed changes to the rent control ordinance would take away an exemption first allowed 40 years ago.

Housing & Development

Despite relaxed laws, building an accessory dwelling unit in Berkeley can still prove challenging

by Janis Mara Jan. 07, 2019, 10:00 a.m.October 4, 2022

State and city laws have made it easier, in theory, to build backyard cottages in Berkeley. In practice planners sometimes seem to need to catch up with the new regulations.