Critics say the move won’t make the Berkeley Hills safer during a wildfire, but will block new housing from wealthy neighborhoods.
Accessory Dwelling Units
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
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
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.
Posted inOpinion
Opinion: ADUs present an innovative way to create affordable housing
Accessory Dwelling Units are a grassroots solution to our housing affordability crisis. Berkeley now needs to create new models of housing policy to accommodate them.
Posted inCity
New laws make it even easier to build backyard cottages in Berkeley
Berkeley’s ordinance on accessory dwelling units is now up to state code and more lenient than it used to be.
Posted inSponsored
Home Truths: Should you add an Accessory Dwelling Unit to your home?
[Sponsored:] Besides helping with the Bay Area’s housing shortage, there are all sorts of other reasons to add an ADU to your property.