California Legislature Greenlights Senator Jerry McNerney’s Bill to Streamline Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), Also Known as Backyard Cottages or “Casitas,” by Accelerating Utility Hookups

The California Legislature on Tuesday approved Sen. Jerry McNerney’s SB 1196, which will streamline creation of accessory dwelling units by accelerating utility service connections.

SB 1196 would direct the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to establish clear timelines for utility hookups requests for ADUs, also known as backyard cottages, and institute penalties for utilities that that do not timely process energization applications.

The problem is, there are no clear rules for when a utility must hook up an ADU – and no consequences for delays,” said Sen. McNerney, D-Pleasanton. “SB 1196 will help ensure that when a homeowner adds an ADU, they’ll be able to get it hooked up without waiting months on end.”

The Senate approved SB 1196 on a vote of 29-10 after the Assembly approved the bill on Monday on a 56-8 vote. SB 1196 now goes to the governor’s desk.

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