Assembly committee approves clarification allowing up to two detached ADUs per property

Assemblymember Quirk Silva presented AB 9 56 as a clarification of accelerated-dwelling-unit law to permit homeowners to build up to two detached ADUs (or one detached ADU plus one JADU) provided units comply with existing size, height, setback and health-and-safety requirements. The author framed the measure as preserving ADU pathways that have become an increasingly important route for additional housing.

Jordan Carbajal (YIMBY) spoke in support, calling the changes a reasonable balance with local oversight. Several members praised the author's long record on housing; others — including Miss Wilson — registered opposition on grounds the bill removes some local discretion typically considered by planning commissions. Quirk Silva closed by thanking staff and partners and urging an aye vote.

The clerk called roll; the committee recorded the motion and reported the bill out of committee (the transcript records the item carrying with the roll call results reflected in the committee record). The debate highlighted the tension between by-right ADU expansion and local planning discretion.