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Get ADU QuoteOr call: (323) 591-3717June 22, 2025 – Santa Maria, CA – As California grapples with a persistent housing shortage, the City of Santa Maria is stepping up to support local property owners and developers with a resource fair dedicated to rental property management and Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) development. Scheduled for Saturday, June 28, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Santa Maria Public Library’s Shepard Hall, the event aims to equip attendees with tools, knowledge, and connections to navigate the evolving landscape of housing in the Santa Ynez Valley. This initiative comes at a critical time, as state and local policies increasingly encourage ADUs as a solution to affordability challenges, while property owners face complex regulations and market pressures.
Accessory Dwelling Units, often called “granny flats” or “backyard cottages,” are secondary housing units built on the same lot as a primary residence. These units, which can be attached or detached, offer a flexible way to increase housing supply without altering neighborhood character. In Santa Maria, where median home prices have soared to $650,000 and median rents for a one-bedroom apartment hover around $2,100, ADUs have emerged as a vital tool for homeowners to generate rental income or house family members. The California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) reports that ADU permits statewide surged by 25% in 2024, with Santa Barbara County seeing a similar uptick as state laws streamline approvals and reduce barriers.
Rental property owners, meanwhile, face their own challenges. Santa Maria’s rental market is tight, with a vacancy rate below 3%, driving demand for well-managed properties. However, landlords must navigate tenant rights laws, fair housing regulations, and rising maintenance costs. Recent state legislation, such as Assembly Bill 1033, allows ADUs to be sold as condominiums, opening new opportunities for property owners to diversify investments. Against this backdrop, the city’s resource fair aims to bridge knowledge gaps and foster sustainable housing solutions.
The Santa Maria Resource Fair, hosted by the City of Santa Maria in partnership with the Legal Aid Foundation of Santa Barbara County and local housing organizations, is designed to be a one-stop shop for rental owners and ADU developers. Attendees will have access to:
The event is free and open to the public, with Spanish-language interpretation available to ensure accessibility. City spokesperson Lisa André emphasized its community focus, stating, “This fair is about empowering our residents to create housing solutions that work for them and their neighbors.”
Santa Maria’s population has grown by 8% since 2015, reaching nearly 110,000, yet housing construction has lagged behind demand. The city permitted just 350 new housing units in 2024, far short of the 1,200 needed annually to meet state housing goals. ADUs offer a practical solution, with over 100 ADU permits issued locally last year, a 40% increase from 2022. These units not only boost housing stock but also support multigenerational living, a cultural cornerstone in Santa Maria’s diverse community.
However, barriers remain. High construction costs—averaging $150,000 to $300,000 for a detached ADU—deter many homeowners. Permitting delays and complex regulations can also stall projects. The resource fair addresses these hurdles by connecting attendees with pre-approved ADU plans, low-interest financing options, and streamlined permitting guidance. Additionally, the city’s recent adoption of Community Development Block Grants has funded programs to support ADU development, particularly in underserved neighborhoods.
The fair also responds to broader regional trends. Nearby Lompoc slashed development impact fees in May 2025 to spur housing growth, while Santa Ynez Valley is experiencing a “developmental surge” in housing and infrastructure, including a five-unit project with an ADU in Solvang. These efforts reflect a regional push to address affordability, with Santa Maria positioning itself as a leader in inclusive housing initiatives.
The resource fair has generated enthusiasm among local stakeholders. Homeowner Maria Gonzalez, who built an ADU for her aging parents, sees the event as a chance to learn about rental management: “I want to rent it out someday, but I need to understand the rules to do it right.” Developers like Juan Morales, who specializes in ADU construction, view the fair as a networking hub: “It’s a great way to meet clients and stay updated on what the city allows.”
Renters, however, express cautious optimism. Tenant advocate Carla Rivera, who attended a similar housing rights workshop in April, hopes the fair will emphasize tenant protections: “ADUs are great, but we need to ensure they’re affordable and that landlords follow fair housing laws.” The Legal Aid Foundation’s presence at the fair aims to address these concerns, offering resources to prevent evictions and discrimination.
Some residents worry about unintended consequences. In San Diego, where ADU development has been more aggressive, critics argue that “bonus ADU” programs have driven up single-family home prices by attracting speculative developers. Santa Maria’s fair seeks to avoid such pitfalls by promoting small-scale, owner-driven projects that align with community needs.
Santa Maria’s resource fair underscores a growing trend: cities taking proactive steps to support ADU development while addressing local nuances. Belmont, CA, hosted a similar ADU fair in May 2025, focusing on downsizing options for seniors, while St. George, UT, recently debated loosening ADU restrictions to promote affordability. These efforts highlight ADUs’ versatility as a housing solution, from urban to rural settings.
For California, the fair could serve as a blueprint for other mid-sized cities. By combining education, resources, and community engagement, Santa Maria is fostering a grassroots approach to housing that balances growth with equity. The event also aligns with state priorities, as Governor Gavin Newsom’s administration has allocated $50 million in 2025 to fund ADU construction grants, particularly for low-income households.
However, challenges loom. Rising interest rates and construction costs could dampen ADU growth, while state mandates to increase housing density may strain local infrastructure. Santa Maria’s recent water conservation mandate, prompted by an emergency pipeline shutoff, underscores the need for sustainable development. The fair’s emphasis on efficient design and financing aims to mitigate these pressures.
At GatherADU, we’re passionate about helping Santa Maria homeowners unlock the potential of their properties through ADUs. Whether you’re exploring ADU construction, rental management, or navigating new regulations like AB 1033, our team is ready to support you. Schedule a free consultation today at app.gatheradu.com/meeting or call us at (323) 591-3717 to discuss how you can contribute to Santa Maria’s housing solutions while achieving your financial goals. Don’t miss the June 28 resource fair—let’s build a more affordable, vibrant Santa Maria together.
Sources: Santa Maria Times, City of Santa Maria, California Department of Housing and Community Development, Santa Barbara Independent, KSBY, San Diego Union-Tribune, NBC Bay Area, Lompoc Record
Photo Credits/Copyright: Homes.com
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