A homeowner's separate living unit, or "granny flat," is more than just affordable housing.
These accessory dwelling units are crucial, especially for the developmentally disabled.
Karen Mulvany rents out her more than 1,000-square-foot granny flat in El Dorado County to her developmentally disabled daughter.
A new bill in the California Legislature would further loosen restrictions on these separate living units.
Historically, some local governments either banned or had heavy restrictions on granny flats. But new laws in 2016 changed that.
"Easing restrictions on ADUs, I think, is going to be tremendously important," Mulvany said. "An ADU that's located on a family parcel can really help ease an individual into independence."
The legislation, among other things, would require local agencies to act on an ADU permit within 60 days, down from 120 days.
It's expected to be voted on next month.