The City Council will have to decide whether to change its restrictions on cottages and in-law units, or challenge the state.
Accessory Dwelling Units
Posted inCity
Worried about wildfires, City Council limits number of ADUs in Berkeley Hills
Critics say the move won’t make the Berkeley Hills safer during a wildfire, but will block new housing from wealthy neighborhoods.
Posted inCity
Building a cottage in your Berkeley yard? Just make sure to tell the neighbors.
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.
Posted inCity
2-story backyard homes approved in Berkeley flats; rules in hills will take more study
Homeowners outside the hills could get quick approval for accessory dwelling units up to 20 feet tall under new regulations.
Posted inCity
City grapples with housing crisis, fire danger as it writes rules for ADUs in hills
New state laws require swift approval for many ADU projects. Should those rules be more strict in areas facing wildfire risk?
Posted inCity
‘They just started jack-hammering’: Berkeley tenants blindsided by ADU that abuts sidewalk
While the accessory dwelling unit is legal, these South Berkeley tenants are upset they were not informed it was coming.
Posted inCity
What’s on the Berkeley ballot? Pay raises for mayor and council, Uber surcharge, new police oversight, more
There will be eight Berkeley measures on the Nov. 3 ballot. Here’s what to expect.
Posted inHousing & Development
Berkeley rent board wants voters to add rent control measures to certain duplexes and ADUs
The proposed changes to the rent control ordinance would take away an exemption first allowed 40 years ago.
Posted inHousing & Development
Despite relaxed laws, building an accessory dwelling unit in Berkeley can still prove challenging
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.
Posted inCity
Berkeley prepares for potential repeal of Costa Hawkins Rental Housing Act
Which properties would become rent-controlled after a repeal, and which would be exempt? Berkeley voters could make the call in November.
Posted inHousing & Development
First permitted cob structure in Berkeley could pave way for more green building
The backyard shed is made out of a cheap, earthen material similar to adobe and not recognized in the building code.
Posted inHousing & Development
Real Estate Wrap: Community meeting on ADUs; Berkeley a ‘best city’; Leola Hall Craftsman for sale
Accessory dwelling units are under discussion at a town hall in Berkeley tonight, a city that is highly livable according to a new ranking. Plus: a Craftsman beauty for grabs.