Placer County Board of Supervisors this week voted to support an update to the county’s ordinance for secondary dwelling units, making them easier to build.

Secondary dwelling units are commonly known as in-law suites or granny flats.

The updated ordinance allows flexibility for either the primary or secondary dwelling on the property to be available for owner occupancy or long-term rental.

The units make it easier for homeowners to accommodate young adults attending college, college graduates returning home and those providing care for aging parents. They also create income opportunities for homeowners who want to build dwelling units on their property.

The units may either be attached or detached from the primary home, and must provide complete, independent living facilities for living, sleeping, eating, cooking and sanitation.

These secondary units cannot be larger than 1,200 square feet.

Secondary dwelling units in the Lake Tahoe Basin are subject to all Tahoe Regional Planning Agency regulations.