Sentinel staff report–
The City of Citrus Heights reported this month that a record-breaking number of permits were issued for secondary dwelling units last year.
According to an April 18 update from the city, 33 permits were granted in 2022, marking a 250% increase compared to the previous year and more than a 600% increase since 2017. The increase in permits is expected to continue to rise, providing much-needed housing options for the Citrus Heights community.
Accessory Dwelling Units, or ADUs, are small homes that provide independent living facilities on the same property as a primary home, and are becoming a popular solution to the housing crisis. Homeowners can save money by building an ADU since utility services are already in place and there’s no need to purchase land.
The city attributes the spike in ADU construction to its Permit-Ready Accessory Dwelling Unit Program, which offers free, pre-approved plans for Citrus Heights property owners. Plans include 1 or 2-bedroom units with various styles and sizes ranging from 499 to 749 square feet. The program eliminates the need for property owners to hire an architect or go through the plan review process, which the city says can save over $7,000 in preparation fees.
More information is available at www.citrusheights.net/aducentral.
