BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — You can now able to add a mother-in-law unit or convert a garage on your property into a livable space without paying permitting fees

The Bakersfield City Council voted to loosen restrictions on accessory dwelling units, commonly known as a mother-in-law quarters, going beyond the changes mandated by the state. The ordinance waives impact fees for building an accessory dwelling, eliminates parking restrictions and allows for a main house on the property to be a rental rather than owner-occupied.

The state law requires a home on a property with an accessory dwelling to be owner-occupied by 2025, but the city of Bakersfield ordinance eliminates that restriction.

Advocates of the rule change say more affordable housing will become available as the state grapples with a housing shortage. Opponents say it could lower property values.