Need more living space for your family?

Need more living space for your family? Want to earn rental income? You can build an accessory dwelling unit on the residential or agriculturally zoned property that you own.

What is an ADU?

An ADU is a dwelling unit with a full kitchen and bathroom, which is an accessory use to a primary or main single family residence. The ADU can be used as a rental, but cannot be sold separately from the primary or main single family residence. The existing residence must be a legally established structure.

Overview

On January 1, 2017, new State laws took effect that create new opportunities for accessory dwelling units (also known as ADUs, “backyard homes,” or “granny flats”).

Accessory Dwelling Unit per lot will be allowed in all single family residential zones except Hillside areas, and between the front of the primary residence and the street;

The proposed Accessory Dwelling Unit must be less than 50% of the size of the primary residence and less than 1200 sq. ft.

An Accessory Dwelling Unit that is constructed above a garage will need to provide only a 5 foot setback from the side and rear lot lines;

No setback shall be required for an existing garage to be converted to an Accessory Dwelling Unit; and

The proposed Accessory Dwelling Unit must satisfy all other underlying zoning and land use regulations including the local jurisdiction’s standards with regards to height, setback, lot coverage, Floor Area Ratio (FAR), building separation and open space of the zone on which the property is located.