AB 2127: Accessory dwelling units: private sewage disposal systems.

Official summary

Legislative Counsel’s Digest (official, as of the latest version). Written by nonpartisan legislative staff; reproduced verbatim.

Existing law, the Planning and Zoning Law, among other things, provides for the creation by ordinance, or by ministerial approval if the local agency has not adopted an ordinance, of an accessory dwelling unit in accordance with specified standards and conditions. Existing law requires the ordinance, if adopted, to meet certain requirements, including designating areas within the jurisdiction where accessory dwelling units may be permitted. Existing law authorizes the designation of areas to be based on the adequacy of water and sewer services and the impact of accessory dwelling units on traffic flow and public safety. Existing law also requires the ordinance to require approval by the local health officer where a private sewage disposal system is being used, if required.

This bill would prohibit a local agency from prohibiting an accessory dwelling unit in an area solely because the lots are served by private sewage disposal systems. The bill would prohibit a local health officer from withholding approval based on a minimum lot size requirement if the private sewage disposal system meets certain operating requirements established by the State Water Resources Control Board and the regional water quality control board for that lot size, as provided. The bill would prohibit the local health officer from requiring the installation of a new or alternative system as a condition of approval if the local health officer determines that an existing private sewage disposal system is verified to be functioning properly and has the capacity to serve the additional load of an accessory dwelling unit, except as specified. By imposing new duties on local agencies relating to the approval of accessory dwelling units, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.

The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.

This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Republican 2

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

1. June 15, 2026In committee: Set, second hearing. Hearing canceled at the request of author.
2. June 8, 2026From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to committee. Read second time, amended, and re-referred to Com. on HOUSING.
3. May 27, 2026Referred to Coms. on HOUSING and L. GOV.
4. May 14, 2026In Senate. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment.
5. May 14, 2026Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Senate. (Ayes 77. Noes 0. Page 5054.)
6. May 7, 2026Read second time. Ordered to Consent Calendar.
7. May 6, 2026From committee: Do pass. To Consent Calendar. (Ayes 14. Noes 0.) (May 6).
8. April 23, 2026From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. with recommendation: To Consent Calendar. (Ayes 10. Noes 0.) (April 22). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
9. April 23, 2026Coauthors revised.
10. April 15, 2026From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on L. GOV. with recommendation: To Consent Calendar. (Ayes 12. Noes 0.) (April 15). Re-referred to Com. on L. GOV.
11. April 7, 2026Re-referred to Com. on H. & C.D.
12. April 6, 2026From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to Com. on H. & C.D. Read second time and amended.