AB-2127 • 2026

Accessory dwelling units: private sewage disposal systems.

Education Land

Passed Legislature

This bill passed both chambers and reached final enrollment, even if later executive action is not shown here.

Sponsor: Johnson
Last action: 2026-04-23
Official status: From 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.
Effective date: Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The official source does not provide specific information on how local agencies will receive assistance from the state or details about costs associated with ensuring existing systems meet standards.

Accessory Dwelling Units: Private Sewage Systems

AB-2127 prohibits local agencies from banning accessory dwelling units (ADUs) solely because private sewage systems are used and sets rules for health officer approvals based on system capacity.

What This Bill Does

Prohibits a local agency from prohibiting an accessory dwelling unit in an area solely because the lots are served by private sewage disposal systems.
Prevents a local health officer from withholding approval of an ADU if the existing private sewage system meets state standards and can handle more waste.
Stops a local health officer from requiring new or different sewage systems for ADUs if the current one works well and is big enough.

Who It Names or Affects

People who want to build accessory dwelling units on their property.
Local health officers who approve sewage systems for new buildings.
Local agencies that make zoning and planning decisions.

Terms To Know

Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU): A smaller living space, like a granny flat or basement apartment, built on the same property as a main house.
Private Sewage Disposal System: An individual system for dealing with waste water that is not connected to a city's sewer system.

Limits and Unknowns

The bill does not specify what happens if the private sewage system cannot handle more waste.
It doesn't explain how local agencies will get help from the state to follow these new rules.
There are no details about costs associated with ensuring existing systems meet state standards.

Bill History

2026-04-23 California Legislative Information
From 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.
2026-04-23 California Legislative Information
Coauthors revised.
2026-04-15 California Legislative Information
From 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.
2026-04-07 California Legislative Information
Re-referred to Com. on H. & C.D.
2026-04-06 California Legislative Information
From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to Com. on H. & C.D. Read second time and amended.
2026-03-23 California Legislative Information
Re-referred to Com. on H. & C.D.
2026-03-19 California Legislative Information
From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to Com. on H. & C.D. Read second time and amended.
2026-03-19 California Legislative Information
Referred to Coms. on H. & C.D. and L. GOV.
2026-02-19 California Legislative Information
From printer. May be heard in committee March 21.
2026-02-18 California Legislative Information
Read first time. To print.

Official Summary Text

AB 2127, as amended, Johnson.
Accessory dwelling units: private sewage disposal systems.
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 for that lot size, and would prohibit the local health officer from requiring the installation of a new or alternative system as a condition of approval if 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,
as provided, and
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.

Current Bill Text

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