At a community meeting on August 10, the Beverly Hills Community Development Department’s Planning Division asked residents for input on the Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Ordinance update. Planners are still deciding whether the city should only allow only what is required by the state or give residents the opportunity to go above and beyond those building limitations.
Often referred to as “granny units” or “mother-in-law units,” ADUs are independent living spaces separate from the main house; similar to a guest house, except they must have certain amenities, like a kitchen. The idea of relaxing ADU guidelines was presented in a Housing Element earlier this year as an attempt to offer more housing in the city and provide families with the ability to help seniors and other members in need. At a Study Session on March 10, the Planning Commission decided to have a new ordinance drafted that would potentially represent the needs of Beverly Hills residents, as opposed to holistically following the state guidelines minimum.
