# Law and Legislation Committee 9/16/2025

The City of Sacramento Law and Legislation Committee met on September 16, 2025, for a workshop on accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and discussion of vacant-property enforcement and a possible vacancy tax. ADU presentations covered the city’s production trends and streamlined review process, financing barriers, construction costs, pre-approved plans, and opportunities to improve customer navigation and interdepartmental coordination. A builder estimated construction costs for a typical 750-square-foot ADU at $185,000–$215,000, excluding permit fees. Members also discussed possible financing and support programs, including examples from Long Beach and Napa County, but no ADU funding allocation or procurement decision was made. Staff reported plans to survey applicants and continue work on ADU condoization, potentially bringing it forward in 2026.

On vacant properties, staff outlined possible enforcement changes, including clearer maintenance standards, registration and monitoring, technology-assisted inspections, and cost recovery. Staff estimated that monitoring every property could require about 25 additional employees and $15 million, while current monitoring costs for a nuisance vacant lot were cited at roughly $4,150 annually. Public commenters opposed a broad vacancy tax and urged incentives and stakeholder engagement. The committee passed a motion directing staff to prepare an ordinance for an enhanced vacant-property enforcement program (three votes in favor, one abstention), and also supported a stakeholder process to review vacancy-tax options, incentives, and related issues before further consideration. No contracts, vendor awards, or purchasing approvals were identified.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Construction & Infrastructure
**Topics:** Physical Infrastructure
**Published:** September 16, 2025

### Sources
- [Law and Legislation Committee 9/16/2025](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kP2ONpC7ghU) - City of Sacramento