Sebastopol is the first city in Sonoma County to opt in to California’s AB 1033, a new law that allows accessory dwelling units (ADUs) to be sold as separate units.
Other California cities that have adopted similar ordinances include Los Angeles, Oakland, Berkeley, San Jose, and San Diego.
While the opportunity is significant, the process is neither simple nor inexpensive. Cities must first establish local requirements, including listing standards, review timelines, and fee structures. Homeowners would then need to convert the ADU into a condominium, form a homeowners association, and comply with the Davis-Stirling Common Interest Development Act. This may require hiring surveyors, attorneys, and other professionals—often at a cost of several thousand dollars.
That said, as restrictions and regulations around ADUs continue to loosen, this legislation could meaningfully expand entry points for first-time buyers and create new pathways to homeownership.
Curious to hear your thoughts—do you see AB 1033 as a meaningful step toward housing affordability, or will the complexity limit its impact?