Accessory dwelling units, granny flats, companion units, junior units, garage conversions… What are the differences, and which one is the right one for you?

With the approval of California Senate Bill 1069, Planning and Zoning law has authorized the ordinance for the creation of second units in single-family and multi-family residential zones, and continuous addendums are supplementing this Bill, facilitating the zoning restrictions we once had with the different building departments.

The general term is Accessory Dwelling Units. But In San Diego, they’re known as Companion Units. One Companion Unit is allowed on each single-family lot and may be as large as 1,200 square feet when detached from the main dwelling, but if attached, it may not exceed 50% of the primary dwelling unit’s floor area. Only one Companion or Junior unit is allowed on a premise and may not be sold separately from the primary dwelling unit.

Accessory Dwelling Units are a growing trend that is occurring because of the obvious supply-and-demand issues due to the population growth of this desirable state, as well as the opportunity to generate additional income through the unit rental.

At URBANA, Accessory Dwelling Units are gratifying projects because of the positive effect that they provide, not only to our clients, but also to the community.