The rules that decide what can be built rarely start at city hall — more and more of them start in Sacramento and Washington. These guides explain the state and federal housing laws that shape what’s allowed, grounded in the statutes themselves. Informational, not legal advice.
The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act became federal law in July 2026 — the biggest federal housing package in decades. Here's what it does: cut permitting red tape, back manufactured housing, and rein in institutional investors.
Housing LawCalifornia's state ADU law limits how much a city or county can restrict a backyard accessory dwelling unit — 800 sq ft, 4-foot setbacks, 60-day approval, and no owner-occupancy requirement. Here's what the law guarantees.
Housing LawSB 9 (the California HOME Act) lets many single-family lots add a second home or split into two parcels — up to four units total — with ministerial approval. Here's how it works, and the open question about charter cities.
Housing LawThe Housing Accountability Act (Gov. Code § 65589.5) limits when a California city can deny a compliant housing project — and the 'builder's remedy' kicks in when a jurisdiction's housing element is out of compliance. A plain-English overview.