AB 956CALIFORNIASession 20252026

California AB 956 expands ADU construction rights and mandates local approval for two detached units

Original title: Accessory dwelling units and junior accessory dwelling units.

September 4, 2026

Companion · SB 1117same policy, Senate version

Housing Zoning Accessory Dwelling Units Property Rights Local Government Accessorydwellingunitsandjunioraccessorydwellingunits

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Where This Stands

Currently Unknown. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Introduced.

Version history & redline

6 versions on file

Official version history is partial: 6 linked texts are unavailable or incomplete. Source links remain available below.

Comparing 02/20/25 - Introduced → 05/27/26 - Amended Senate

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Redline computed from the official version text (record lane).View this version →

The Frame

What this does

The bill increases the density potential for single-family residential lots across California by mandating that local governments approve two detached ADUs instead of one, while simultaneously limiting the ability of private homeowners' associations to restrict these developments.

Who is mentioned in the record

Potentially affected actors named in the source documents. Mention is not a position.

Homeowners

Property owners gain the right to construct two detached ADUs on their lots and are protected from HOA restrictions on these units.

Local government agencies

Local agencies are required to ministerially approve building permit applications for two detached ADUs, creating new administrative duties.

Homeowners' associations

HOAs are prohibited from enforcing covenants or restrictions that block the construction of ADUs or JADUs on lots zoned for single-family residential use.

What changed

Last recorded activity September 4, 2026.

What's next

Introduced.

Summary

This bill allows homeowners to build up to two detached accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on lots zoned for single-family residential use and prohibits homeowners' associations from banning these units on any lot zoned to allow single-family housing. It requires local agencies to these two-unit projects, though it excludes the addition of a on those same lots.

Key Facts

You don't have to trust us. Each fact below is taken straight from the official document - click any one to see the exact passage, highlighted in the original.

Why It Matters

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I build two detached ADUs and a junior ADU on my property?

No. The bill explicitly states that a local agency is not required to approve a junior accessory dwelling unit on a lot where two detached, new construction ADUs have been built.

Does this bill affect homeowners' associations (HOAs)?

Yes. It makes any HOA rule that prohibits or unreasonably restricts the construction of ADUs or JADUs on lots zoned to allow single-family residential use void and unenforceable.

News Coverage

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Related Legislation

State Bill