I am writing to express my strong opposition to Assembly Bill 1055. This bill would undermine one of the few successful pipelines of new homes in our state by creating unnecessary, unworkable and unenforceable restrictions on the use of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)--a vital source of affordable housing in our state.

I oppose AB 1055 (Boerner) for the following reasons:

It aims to fix a problem unsupported by data. There is no data showing large numbers of ADUs being built yet never used as housing. Conversely, studies show the majority of ADUs and JADUs are used as housing. Certificate of Occupancy data is not a reliable measure. Many cities don’t update their systems promptly or use different formats to track completions.

It singles out ADUs for unique burdensome regulations that will confuse homeowners and lenders. A 10-year occupancy restriction will limit available financing and reduce the number of ADUs being built. No other home type is required to prove who will live where in the future. ADUs will not succeed if subjected to requirements and enforcement penalties on future use that cannot be financed and that confuse consumers and lenders alike.

No one knows what the future holds for the future of their family. Today’s ADU for an elder parent may be tomorrow’s shelter for a vulnerable adult child with a disability, an emergency source of income to pay the mortgage, or a temporary home office in a pandemic. State law should not create standards that families cannot reasonably be expected to live by when the future is characterized by uncertainty.

Please protect this important source of new homes in California by voting 'No' on AB 1055. Thank you.