News & Blog //
Explore insights from Ojanen Chiou Architects on residential design, architecture, construction, sustainability, building technology, and California housing and planning regulations. We share practical information for property owners considering new homes, additions, renovations, ADUs, and other development opportunities throughout the San Francisco Bay Area.
Turning Your Home Inside Out: Expanding Living Beyond Four Walls
Living in the Bay Area means experiencing a landscape where city and nature are always in dialogue. Our region’s distinctive climate and geography have inspired generations of architects to blur the boundaries between indoors and out—creating homes that feel open, light-filled, and deeply connected to their surroundings...
Maximize Your Property's Potential: How ADU Legislation Benefits Bay Area Homeowners
Recent California legislation makes it easier for San Francisco Bay Area property owners to build Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), creating opportunities for additional housing, rental income, and flexible living arrangements.
Fast-Tracking Housing in San Francisco: The Benefits of SF's New Approval Process for Property Owners
San Francisco’s Constraints Reduction Ordinance streamlines review for eligible housing projects and modifies development standards and approval procedures intended to facilitate new housing.
SB 423: Streamlining Housing Approvals in San Francisco
Senate Bill 423 expands streamlined, ministerial approval for qualifying housing projects in San Francisco. The legislation can significantly reduce discretionary review while establishing specific eligibility, affordability, and approval requirements.
SB 423: Streamlining Housing Approvals in the Bay Area
Senate Bill 423 expands streamlined, ministerial approval for qualifying housing projects in California, including many Bay Area jurisdictions. The law can reduce discretionary review for eligible projects that meet applicable housing, affordability, site, and development requirements.
California SB 9: Exploring the Potential of Your Bay Area Property
California SB 9 creates new options for qualifying Bay Area properties, including two-unit development and urban lot splits. The law provides a streamlined, ministerial approval process that can create opportunities for additional housing and flexible multigenerational living.