Thinking about a backyard home or a lot split in Garden Grove? You are not alone. With limited land and rising housing needs, many owners want clear, practical paths to add value and flexibility. In this guide, you will learn how ADUs and SB 9 work, what Garden Grove has put in place, what could realistically change in the next few years, and simple steps to move forward. Let’s dive in.
ADUs and SB 9 in plain English
What is an ADU?
An accessory dwelling unit is a small home on the same lot as a primary residence. State law requires a streamlined, ministerial review for qualifying ADUs and gives guidance on fees, size, and where they can go. See the state’s overview and handbook for details in the HCD ADU resources.
What is SB 9?
SB 9 is a state law that lets you build up to two primary units on a single-family lot and, in some cases, split that lot into two parcels. Cities must use objective standards and a ministerial process for eligible projects. You can read the bill history and summary on SB 9’s legislative page.
Can you mix SB 9 and ADUs?
Sometimes, but not always. If you use SB 9’s urban lot split and then build under SB 9, cities are not required to allow ADUs on the new lots. This limit is part of how the laws interact, as explained in this legal summary of SB 9 and ADUs.
Garden Grove’s plan and programs
Housing Element context
Garden Grove’s 2021–2029 Housing Element is certified by the state as of December 12, 2023. The city’s state-assigned housing need (RHNA) is 19,168 homes across income levels. The plan leans on ADUs and infill to add capacity in a built-out city. You can review the city’s materials on the Housing Element page.
ADU Go and permits
Garden Grove launched ADU Go on January 1, 2025. It offers pre-reviewed, free plan sets to cut design cost and speed pre-construction steps. The program complements building and planning checklists and the city’s permit portal. Explore the city’s resources and plan sets on the ADU Go page.
SB 9 local process
The city adopted an SB 9 ordinance and provides an eligibility checklist, forms, and objective standards for height, setbacks, and site design. Start with the city’s summary and forms on the Garden Grove SB 9 page.
What this could mean for housing supply
The upside
- ADUs add steadily. Lower design costs, ministerial approvals, and ADU Go can encourage more backyard homes. The state also supports realistic ADU forecasts in housing plans, which Garden Grove is using via monitoring and outreach.
- SB 9 can multiply units. On eligible lots, owners can build two primary units and sometimes split a lot. In theory, that can mean up to four homes where one existed before, depending on site and rules.
Real-world constraints
- Built-out city. Most of Garden Grove is already developed, so new homes tend to come from ADUs, additions, and targeted infill rather than large projects.
- Costs and timing. Construction, utility upgrades, and fees add up. Statewide reporting has noted utility and contractor delays that can slow ADU projects, such as those described in this ADU delays article.
- Private rules. HOAs and CC&Rs can restrict lot splits or added units on private property, which can limit SB 9 use in some neighborhoods.
- Eligibility limits and standards. SB 9 excludes certain sites and relies on local objective standards. Check the city’s SB 9 eligibility materials before you plan a split or duplex.
- Legal uncertainty. An April 2024 court ruling limited SB 9 for five charter cities, and the Attorney General appealed in June 2024. While Garden Grove has an SB 9 ordinance and accepts applications, this litigation update adds a degree of caution for investors and owners.
Bottom line
- Near term, ADUs are the most reliable growth path for Garden Grove. Expect gradual gains as more owners use ADU Go and ministerial approvals.
- SB 9 adds options on eligible parcels, but costs, private covenants, and legal questions will likely keep activity modest in the short run.
What homeowners can do next
- Check state basics and gather ideas from the HCD ADU resources.
- Review Garden Grove’s plan sets on the ADU Go page and list your site constraints and goals.
- If you are exploring a duplex or lot split, start with the Garden Grove SB 9 page and its eligibility checklist.
- Confirm your property’s private rules early by reviewing any HOA or CC&Rs.
- Track process steps and examples in the city’s permit portal.
- For forms and pre-application questions, use the city’s Planning applications and handouts.
Buying or selling? Key points
- If you are buying, ask whether the lot is a good fit for an ADU or a two-unit SB 9 project and whether any HOA rules apply. This can shape long-term value and flexibility.
- If you are selling, a compliant ADU can widen your buyer pool and may increase assessed value, which can affect property taxes for the next owner. Disclose permits and plans clearly to build trust.
- For both sides, remember that SB 9 lot splits may require an owner-occupancy affidavit for three years, and ADU rules generally do not require owner occupancy. Confirm the latest city forms and standards before you act.
Ready to talk through options, timelines, and value tradeoffs? Reach out to Timothy Hoard for a thoughtful, step-by-step plan.
FAQs
Can I build an ADU in Garden Grove?
- Yes, if your residential lot meets state and city standards. Garden Grove provides checklists and free pre-reviewed plans through ADU Go to simplify the path.
What does SB 9 allow in Garden Grove?
- SB 9 can allow up to two primary units on a lot and may allow an urban lot split, subject to eligibility rules and the city’s objective standards.
Can I combine an SB 9 lot split with ADUs?
- Not in most cases. If you use SB 9’s lot split and ministerial approvals, the city is not required to allow ADUs on the new lots.
Do I need to live on-site to build?
- ADUs generally do not require owner occupancy in Garden Grove. SB 9 lot splits require an affidavit stating you will occupy one unit for three years, with limited exceptions.
How long do permits take and what do they cost?
- Timelines depend on plan completeness. Pre-reviewed ADU plans can shorten early steps. Costs vary by size, site work, and utilities, so budget with contingencies.
What if my property is in an HOA?
- Private covenants can limit SB 9 or ADUs. Review your CC&Rs and consult with your HOA early to avoid surprises.
