The Plumas County Board of Supervisors adopted changes to the county zoning ordinance May 7 that increase opportunities to build affordable housing throughout the county. The amendments to over 20 articles of the county planning code allow building small standalone or attached houses, known as accessory dwelling units.
“Any place dwelling units are permitted will now allow ADUs,” said Tracey Ferguson, Plumas County planning director.
Known as granny flats, in-law units, backyard cottages or secondary units, ADUs are smaller units of housing that are more affordable than most single-family houses. They offer the potential for multigenerational housing, with elderly parents moving close to their children, Ferguson said. Under the new zoning codes, these units can also be rented, generating income for the primary homeowner.
Along with responding to the need for affordable housing, the zoning ordinance adopted unanimously by the Plumas County Board of Supervisors May 7 brings the county into compliance with state regulations. In 2021, California legislators changed state housing regulations in a suite of bills designed to boost housing production across California. The thrust of the legislation was to “accelerate production of affordable housing,” one of Governor Gavin Newsom’s priorities.
“We are meeting state standards and increasing opportunities for local residents at a time when we have a housing crisis,” said Board of Supervisors Chairman Greg Hagwood.
Several ADU options
The changes allow four types of accessory housing: attached to an existing house, standalone near an existing house, conversions of existing structures and “junior” ADUs. Junior ADUs are dwelling units within the walls of a proposed or existing single-family residence. They are limited to 500 square feet and can contain a basic kitchen utilizing small plug-in appliances while sharing central systems and bathrooms with the primary dwelling. Like other types of accessory housing, junior ADUs reduce development costs, said Ferguson.
The ADU rule approved by the county supervisors applies everywhere, including within private developments. Homeowners associations cannot prohibit or restrict them, said Ferguson.
“This will help ease the burden of affordable housing. Smaller units are more affordable by design,” she added.
Plumas County offers several preapproved plans for accessory dwelling units.
ADUs respond to housing crises
ADUs have grown exponentially in number as more cities, counties and homeowners become interested in ways to increase the supply of affordable housing. They also create a wider range of housing options within a community, allowing seniors to stay near family as they age. In established neighborhoods, ADUs contribute to better use of existing housing, housing experts say.
Plumas County’s newly adopted zoning regulations expand the housing options in what the supervisors acknowledged is a very tight housing market. The county has 15,396 housing units, according to the 2020 census. Just 60% are occupied, reflecting the number of second-home structures occupied only seasonally. That leaves a limited percentage of available housing and emphasizes the role ADUs can play, Ferguson said.
“ADUs are an out-of-the-box way of helping us through a tough time.”
Kevin Goss, Plumas County supervisor
The 2021 Dixie Fire exacerbated the housing shortage. It destroyed around 800 houses, leaving hundreds of families and individuals homeless. Supervisor Kevin Goss’ District 2 was particularly hard hit.
“ADUs are an out-of-the-box way of helping us through a tough time,” Goss said. They may not be a perfect solution to the housing crisis, “made worse for sure” by the Dixie Fire, he said. “But they may be a savior for property owners in the long run.”
The zoning changes adopted May 7 were presented April 16, when the supervisors opened a hearing and waived the first reading of the proposed ordinance. The ordinance changes were recommended by the Plumas County Planning Commission.
