By Lookout Staff

September 28, 2016 -- A bill sponsored by Santa Monica Assemblyman Richard Bloom that will make second units, commonly known as "granny flats," easier to build was signed into law by Governor Jerry Brown on Monday.

Passed by both houses of the legislature with bipartisan support, the new law streamlines statewide regulations for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in an effort to increase the housing supply.

“California’s affordable housing crisis is a complex problem that demands creative solutions,” Bloom said. ADUs "are an ideal and affordable housing option for many individuals throughout this state.

"This bill will help increase the housing supply by removing barriers to the construction of these units,” the former Santa Monica mayor said.

AB 2299 requires local governments to adopt ADU ordinances and add required specifications that will make it easier to create second units often used by college students, elderly parents or disabled individuals who need to live close to their families, Bloom said.

"Unfortunately, individuals who want to build these units are often caught in a web of cost-prohibitive local regulations that discourage the construction of ADUs," according to a statement issued by Bloom's staff.

The specifications required by local ordinances under the new law include "prohibiting the need for a passageway, increasing the permissible size of the units, and eliminating some parking requirements," according to Bloom's staff.

“AB 2299 targets the barriers facing the construction of a specific kind of affordable housing, and in doing so, helps chip away at California’s complex and far-reaching housing crisis,” Bloom said.

Bloom represents California’s 50th Assembly District, which in addition to Santa Monica comprises the communities of Agoura Hills, Bel Air, Beverly Hills, Brentwood, Hollywood, Malibu, Pacific Palisades, Topanga, West Hollywood and West Los Angeles.