AB 1033
2023 law letting cities opt in to allow ADUs to be sold separately as condos.
AB 1033 (effective January 1, 2024) permits — but does not require — California cities to allow detached ADUs to be sold as separate condominium units, decoupled from the primary residence. Adoption is opt-in at the city level; as of early 2026 a small but growing number of cities (including San Jose and Berkeley) have adopted enabling ordinances.
The law preserves HOA restrictions, requires a tentative map for the condo split, and triggers normal condo disclosures at sale.
Related terms
- ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit)A self-contained second home on a residential lot, with its own kitchen, bath, and entrance.
- AB 68 (Assembly Bill 68)2019 California law that streamlined ADU approvals and removed local barriers.
- SB 9 (Senate Bill 9)Law allowing duplex conversion and lot splits on most single-family parcels.
People also ask
FAQ — AB 1033
What does "AB 1033" mean in plain English?
2023 law letting cities opt in to allow ADUs to be sold separately as condos. Browse the full construction glossary for related terms.
Why does AB 1033 matter for a California ADU or remodel?
AB 1033 comes up in the zoning and land-use side of nearly every Greater LA and Bay Area project we touch. AB 1033 (effective January 1, 2024) permits — but does not require — California cities to allow detached ADUs to be sold as separate condominium units, decoupled from the primary residence. Getting it right at design saves rework later — getting it wrong is one of the most common reasons permits stall. See how it lands in our five-phase process and the relevant field guides.
Where will I see AB 1033 on my own project?
Most owners run into AB 1033 during the design or plan-check phase — specifically inside schematic design or permit submittal. Your project manager flags it on the schedule, walks you through what the city expects, and confirms documentation is in place before the inspection that depends on it.
Does AB 1033 cost extra?
Sometimes — depends on whether it adds scope (a report, a structural detail, a fee) or just a paperwork step. Anything cost-impacting is itemized in your contract or change order, never buried in the invoice. Sanity-check your number with the ADU cost calculator and the 2026 cost report.
Who at Alpha Dream handles AB 1033?
The project architect owns design-level decisions; the permit runner owns city interactions — see the California permit directory; the project manager owns field execution. You always know who to ask. Start a conversation on the contact page.
When does AB 1033 typically come up in the project schedule?
Most often during permit submittal or early construction. The full sequence is on the process page.
Is AB 1033 handled differently in LA vs the Bay Area?
Yes — local interpretation varies. The LA studio and Bay Area studio note the regional shifts on each city hub.
What documents prove compliance with AB 1033?
City-specific — the California permit directory lists the form set per jurisdiction. Field journal entries show what actually clears plan check.
Which trades or consultants own AB 1033 on a typical job?
Architect, structural engineer, or Title 24 consultant — depends on the term. The process page maps roles across the five phases.
How does AB 1033 affect the project budget?
Direct line item in the contract when it triggers a report, detail, or fee. Pricing bands are in the 2026 cost report.
Has AB 1033 changed recently under California law?
California ADU and remodel law has shifted every legislative session since 2017. Material changes land first on the field journal; definitions update quarterly here.
Where can I read the underlying statute for AB 1033?
Each glossary entry cites the relevant Gov Code, building code section, or city bulletin. The permit directorylinks the source portals.
Which ADU type is AB 1033 most relevant to?
Cross-references live on the ADU types index. The term often appears in detached ADU and JADU contexts most.
Can I send AB 1033 questions to your team?
Yes — use the contact page. We add the most-asked questions to the site-wide FAQ monthly.
What's a related term I should also read after AB 1033?
Each entry cross-links 3–5 related terms. Browse the full set on the glossary index.
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