Residents of Hayward looking to add secondary units to homes are about to see a lot more flexibility in zoning codes and building laws.

Per the East Bay Times, the Hayward Planning Committee voted to endorse more lax zoning and building laws for a second dwelling on the property. Come this October, the City Council will bring it to a vote.

As the law stands now, residents are allowed to construct reestanding units — aka granny units, in-law suites, second dwellings, etc. — as of this past January. Restrictions, however, only allowed for in-law units in single or multi-family zoning areas.

The new laws would give homeowners the option to build three in-law unit types: internal, attached, and detached. The unit must be built on a property with an existing house and is permitted in agricultural, single-family residential, medium-density residential, residential nature preserve zone areas, and in certain residential sections of Mission Boulevard. 

To ensure locals are benefiting from these new laws, new regulations will be put in place to require the legal owner to reside in either the main house or the second dwelling. Additionally, the second dwelling is not to be used for any short-term renting (such as on Airbnb or Urban Loft). The idea is that there will be at least one Hayward resident (the owner) who is invested in the city and will care for and maintain the property. 

To avoid cars parked on streets and lawns, the newly proposed laws require homeowners to either extend their driveway or provide parking depending on the size of the unit. Studio or one-bedroom units need one parking spot and two-bedroom units need two. There are exceptions if the property is close to a historic district or public transit station. 

If approved, Hayward residents may be able to provide a small home for family members, friends, or make more money by renting their new in-law homes.