Sept. 11, 2025
Last week, a bill co-sponsored by Tri-Valley State Senator Jerry McNerney passed through the legislature’s upper chamber by a unanimous vote. The bill, SB 543, streamlines the construction of accessory dwelling units, or ADUs, on existing residential properties in a number of ways.
The bill is a much-needed piece of legislation to try to speed up the building of more housing units. The Assembly also passed the bill, on Aug. 28, with a unanimous vote of those present. The legislature should be applauded for passing the bill. Gov. Gavin Newsom should sign the bill into law when it reaches his desk.
The Problem
Before we slap ourselves on the back, however, SB 543 can’t be the end of it. The state has been permitting about 25,000 ADUs per year, but California is still mired in a housing crisis.