Senator Arreguín Introduces Bill to Spur Housing Production

His First Bill Will Remove Barriers to Develop Accessory Dwelling Units

Sacramento, CA - Today, Senator Jesse Arreguín (D-Berkeley) introduced his first bill, SB 9, to ease the development of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) by removing the requirement that a property owner must live in a property, regardless of whether an ADU is proposed or already exists.

“As someone who experienced housing displacement growing up and as a renter myself, I am proud that my first bill addresses this very issue that has impacted far too many Californians”, said Senator Arreguín. “SB 9 will unlock thousands of properties to create new homes and will make it easier for people to find stable housing and achieve the California Dream.”

“Senator Arreguin has been a strong advocate for more homes at the local level, and we’re honored to support his first housing bill in the state legislature,” said Brian Hanlon, CEO of California YIMBY. “SB 9 builds on the growing popularity of ADUs to help alleviate housing shortages in our communities. We look forward to working with Sen. Arreguin on this and other pro-housing policies that will make California more affordable for working families.”

In recent years, ADUs have been an effective tool in addressing California’s housing shortage. Since 2016, the State Legislature has passed a series of bills to promote the creation of such units, resulting in nearly 84,000 ADUs being permitted between 2016-2022. In 2022, ADUs accounted for approximately 1 out of 5 new units produced in California. 

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