Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) FAQs and Helpful Links

An Accessory Dwelling Unit or ADU is an attached or detached residential dwelling unit that provides complete independent living facilities for one or more persons, is located on a parcel in conjunction with a proposed or existing principal residence and includes permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation. An ADU may also include an efficiency unit or a manufactured home.

A JADU is a residential dwelling unit that is no more than 500 square feet in area, contained entirely within a proposed or existing single-family dwelling or attached garage, and can have bath/sanitation facilities that are either separate or shared with the existing single-family dwelling.

There are generally two types of  ADUs:

• Conversion of existing permitted space, including an accessory structure or a portion of the existing primary residence into an ADU
• A new attached or detached ADU

Up to one ADU and one JADU per lot developed with a single-family residence. Up to two detached ADUs are allowed on properties with multifamily units and up to 25% of the existing units in the multifamily building through conversion of existing non-habitable space. JADUs are not allowed on properties developed with multifamily dwellings or multiple single-family residences.

Attached ADU – An attached ADU can be built on any side of the house, but all required setbacks apply.

Detached ADU – A detached ADU is generally constructed behind the primary residence, however due to existing conditions and site constraints, they may be permitted in other areas provided all development standards are met.

For ADUs, one parking space is required for newly constructed units unless the unit is:

• Within 1/2 mile of public transit.
• Created within the area of an existing building.
• In a historic district.
• Not offered an on-street parking permit when one is required.
• On the same block as a car share.
• A studio unit.

No parking is required for a JADU. Replacement parking for a garage that is converted to an ADU is not required.

Yes, ADUs must have pedestrian access from the street.

Please check with your homeowners association. In general, HOAs cannot prohibit the construction of an ADU or JADU.

Examine the information provided for ADUs here.

Application review, permit, and development impact fees apply to your ADU development project. Contact respective agency and departments for current fees.

Attached ADUs may be built up to the same height permitted in the underlying zoning district for the primary building. Detached ADUs may be built up to two stories not exceeding 20 feet in height. Conversion of an existing accessory structure or a portion of the existing primary residence to an ADU is not subject to height requirements.

There is no minimum lot size requirement to develop an ADU as long as the proposed unit complies with all applicable standards.

ADUs may be rented separately from the primary residence, but shall not be used as a short-term vacation rental. An ADU may only be sold separately from the primary building on the lot if the primary building and the ADU were built or developed by a qualified non-profit corporation in accordance with Government Code Section 65852.26 and an affordable housing agreement is entered into by the applicant and the City.