California lawmaker introduces bill to speed up utility hookups for ADUs

A new California bill aims to make it easier and faster for homeowners to complete accessory dwelling unit (ADU) projects by addressing one of the most common construction delays: utility hookups.

State Senator Jerry McNerney recently introduced SB 1196 (California 2026), a proposal designed to streamline the process for connecting ADUs to essential utility services such as electricity, water, and gas. According to a news release from the senator’s office, the bill would establish clear timelines for utility companies to complete service connections for ADUs and introduce penalties for utilities that fail to meet those deadlines.  

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Addressing a Common Delay in ADU Construction

Accessory dwelling units—often referred to as backyard homes, granny flats, or casitas—have become an increasingly important part of California’s housing strategy in recent years. However, while the state has passed multiple laws to simplify ADU permitting and construction, delays related to utility connections have remained a challenge for many homeowners and builders.

“California homeowners and ADU builders are increasingly frustrated by long delays — up to a year — to obtain utility service connections,” McNerney said in a statement announcing the bill, according to the senator’s office.  

Under current rules, there are no statewide deadlines requiring utilities to complete ADU service connections within a specific timeframe, which can leave projects stalled even after construction is complete.

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What the Bill Would Change

If enacted, SB 1196 would introduce several new measures intended to speed up the process. According to the bill summary released by the senator’s office, the proposal would:

• Establish clear timelines for utility service connections for ADUs  
• Allow homeowners to request utility hookups at the same time they apply for a building permit  
• Prevent utilities from canceling service connection applications without the applicant’s consent  
• Create penalties if utilities fail to complete connections within the required timeframe  

Supporters of the proposal say these changes could help reduce construction delays and make ADU projects more predictable for homeowners.

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ADUs Playing a Growing Role in Housing Supply

State housing officials say ADUs have become one of the fastest-growing forms of housing construction in California. Over the past decade, the number of ADUs permitted in the state has increased dramatically—from roughly 800 units per year to about 30,000 annually, according to figures cited by McNerney’s office.  

Many homeowners build ADUs to create rental housing, accommodate family members, or generate additional income. Because these units can often be built on existing residential properties, policymakers view them as one way to increase housing supply without requiring large-scale new developments.

California lawmakers have passed numerous laws in recent years to support ADU construction, including measures that limit local restrictions and streamline permitting requirements, according to the California Department of Housing and Community Development.

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Next Steps for the Legislation

SB 1196 is expected to be considered by a legislative committee in the coming months as part of the state’s 2026 legislative session, according to the senator’s office. If approved by lawmakers, the proposal would represent another step in California’s ongoing effort to remove barriers to housing construction and accelerate the development of smaller, lower-cost homes.

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Quick tip: Utility hookups can sometimes delay ADU projects even after construction is finished. Homeowners planning an ADU may want to ask their builder or contractor early in the process about utility connection timelines and application requirements.