Average Dwelling Unit Policy Discussion Next Week

Source: Santa Barbara AIA

Open Invitation to a Discussion about Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Policy with California State Senator Bob Wieckowski
 On August 11th from 10am-12pm, AIA Santa Barbara and the Santa Barbara Contractors Association will host a discussion about California Senate Bill 1069 in Santa Barbara and the upcoming local zoning ordinance changes. This event will provide a point for interested parties to have an input on local policy regarding granny units. 

Jointly organized by the Santa Barbara AIA (American Institute of Architects) and SBCA (Santa Barbara Contractor’s Association), the discussion will focus on Senate Bill 1069 which came into effect on January 1, 2017. It provides for the creation of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in single-family and multifamily residential zones throughout the State of California.

Local jurisdictions statewide are currently in the process of writing zoning ordinances to shape the application of ADUs within their purview. California Senator Bob Wieckowski is the author of Senate Bill 1069 and will visit Santa Barbara from Sacramento to give background on the Land Use legislation and intent behind it.

The goal is to assist in the local thinking about the law and how to move forward from our current housing deficit. This event will be especially interesting for City Planners, property owners, architects, contractors and the real estate/ development community.

Panelists will include Greg Nickless, Housing Policy Analyst with the State Housing & Community Development (HCD) in Sacramento, as well as regional City planning officials working on the ordinance. Ellen Bildsten, Architect, chair of the AIA Santa Barbara Advocacy Committee and board member of the Coastal Housing Coalition (CHC) will moderate the event.

“As architects and contractors, it is our responsibility to get involved in policy issues that affect the planning of our local communities. ADUs are a means to provide affordable, small-scale housing within the framework of California’s existing neighborhoods for years to come. This event will be an exceptional opportunity to learn about the ADU local ordinance writing process and interpretation in our City and others. It will provide attendees a platform to discuss ideas and solutions to the housing crisis in Santa Barbara, across the State and beyond.” Ellen Bildsten, Architect AIA. 

The event will be held at the New Vic, Ensemble Theatre Company at 33 W Victoria Street. Generating much interest, approximately 290 people are expected to attend from all over Santa Barbara County and the State of California. AIA Santa Barbara and SBCA especially thank Kitchell Custom Homes for making the location of this event possible through their sponsorship.

 For those interested in attending, please RSVP here.