Accessory dwelling units (ADUs), often called “granny flats,” are emerging as a local strategy to address housing shortages. As cities revise zoning and streamline permits, more homeowners across the San Gabriel Valley are considering ADUs to host family, generate rental income, or expand housing options.
State Law Meets Local Implementation
California requires cities to allow ADUs on most residential lots, with few exceptions. Local limits on size, setbacks, and parking are still permitted under state law. Temple City and Rosemead have become regional examples of cities adapting to meet these rules while balancing neighborhood character and homeowner opportunity.
In Rosemead, new policies now allow preapproved ADU design templates, meaning homeowners can choose from a library of ready-to-build plans instead of hiring an architect. This approach streamlines reviews and helps reduce costs for local residents.
Temple City, which adopted its own ADU ordinance in 2020, caps most ADUs at 1,000 square feet or 50 percent of the primary dwelling, whichever is smaller. The city’s standards allow for ministerial, or non-discretionary, review—meaning applications that meet all zoning criteria can move forward quickly without public hearings.
Temple City’s Preapproved Plans
To make construction more accessible, Temple City maintains a set of preapproved ADU plans available to the public through its Planning Department. These plans offer a variety of layouts—detached, attached, or converted garage units—and are intended to help property owners save both time and money. City officials note that the standardized designs ensure compliance with building codes while promoting neighborhood compatibility.
Conversions of existing garages or interior spaces into ADUs remain popular among homeowners looking for a lower-cost option. These projects often require less site work, fewer utility upgrades, and minimal design revisions compared to detached units.
Real-World Trends
According to the California Department of Housing and Community Development, statewide ADU construction increased more than 14 percent in 2024 compared with the previous year. The growth trend is reflected locally, as Temple City and Rosemead continue to see steady permit activity from homeowners eager to create additional living space or rental income.
Local housing experts say that ADUs are helping bridge the gap between limited new development and strong housing demand across the San Gabriel Valley. For multigenerational families, they also provide a flexible solution that allows older relatives or adult children to live independently while staying close to home.
Challenges and Community Impacts
While ADUs offer promising benefits, financing remains one of the biggest hurdles for many homeowners. Construction costs, utility hookups, and site preparation can still add up quickly. City planners in both Temple City and Rosemead recommend early consultation to ensure the project meets all lot and zoning requirements.
Community response has been generally positive, though some residents remain concerned about parking, privacy, and density impacts. Local officials emphasize that the cities’ preapproval programs and design guidelines aim to maintain neighborhood character while meeting state housing mandates.
For more information about building an ADU in Temple City, visit the City of Temple City’s Planning Department at www.ci.temple-city.ca.us.
As housing challenges persist, ADUs represent one of the most practical and locally controlled ways for cities to expand housing options, support families, and strengthen neighborhood stability.
