SB 543 Changed the ADU Permit Clock. Here Is What That Means.

ADU permit application packet and floor plans on a job site table with framing visible behind

Direct Answer: SB 543 gives California cities and counties 15 business days to decide if an ADU application is complete. Miss that deadline, and the application is deemed complete automatically. The single most common worry I hear from homeowners planning a backyard unit is not cost. It is time. People have heard the stories about […]

ADU Projects in San Benito County: How the Rules Differ From Salinas

Survey stakes and string lines marking a septic area on a rural San Benito County parcel near San Juan Bautista

Direct Answer: San Benito County and the City of Hollister layer their own ADU rules on top of state minimums. The biggest difference from Salinas is septic review through Environmental Health, which adds calendar time before permits. I get calls from Hollister and rural San Benito County that sound a lot like the Salinas calls […]

JADU or ADU: Which One Actually Fits Your Property

Interior JADU space within a home beside a detached backyard ADU on the same Monterey County residential lot

Direct Answer: A JADU is carved from your existing home’s footprint, maxes out at 500 square feet, and requires owner occupancy under most conditions. A full ADU is a separate dwelling with its own facilities and far more flexibility for rental income. I get this question more than almost any other on ADU projects across […]

Building an ADU in South County: What Changes Past Salinas

Detached ADU framing under construction on a large south county lot with inland California hills in the background

Direct Answer: Building an ADU in Gilroy or Morgan Hill means working with different permit agencies, fee structures, and often septic systems, not the coastal overlay rules that apply in Monterey County. Most of the ADU content online is written for one place, and that place is not Gilroy. Homeowners in south Santa Clara County […]

Finding Trusted ADU Contractors Near Me: Your Local Expert Guide

Finding Trusted ADU Contractors Near Me: Your Local Expert Guide

When searching for reliable ADU contractors near me, choosing the right partner for your accessory dwelling unit project can make all the difference. At Aldridge Construction, we understand that homeowners in Salinas, Monterey, Santa Cruz, and surrounding areas need experienced professionals who deliver quality craftsmanship and exceptional service. As a trusted construction company founded by […]

From Concept to Build – What Does ADU Mean in Construction?

What Does ADU Mean in Construction

Ever wondered what an ADU is and why so many homeowners are suddenly talking about them? You’re not alone. The term ADU seems everywhere, especially in conversations around property value, affordable housing, and flexible living spaces. So, what does ADU mean in construction? More than an industry acronym, it represents an exciting opportunity for homeowners […]