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1. What is an ADU/JADU?

An ADU is an Accessory Dwelling Unit. It is a separate unit on a property that has a single-family home, apartment, or other residential use. ADUs can go by many different names, including granny flats, in-law units, backyard cottages, secondary units, and more. The key difference between an ADU and other types of structures, such as pool cabanas, is they have living space, bedroom(s), and a kitchen. An ADU can be attached to the main home, the garage, or can be a standalone structure. 

A JADU is a Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit. A JADU is different than an ADU in that they have to be part of an existing home and they have size restrictions. They can share the use of parts of the home, such as the bathrooms, and can have simpler kitchens with smaller appliances. JADUs are only allowed on a property with a single-family home on it, and the property owner has to live in either the single-family home or in the JADU. Development costs for a JADU are typically lower than an ADU.

2. Can I have an ADU on my property?

If your property is in a residential zone (e.g., R-1, R-2, R-3) or mixed-use zone that allows residential and has an existing residential use on it, then the answer is yes. 

• View Zoning Property Map

3. How many ADUs can I have on my property?

Single-Family Properties - All single-family homes can have one ADU. Additionally, properties with single-family homes that are owner-occupied can have one ADU and one JADU with a recorded statement that the property owner will occupy one of the units. 

Multi-Family Properties – There are a few ADU options for multi-family properties. You may select one from the following three options:

• An ADU can be added for up 25% of the existing units. The ADU(s) have to be within livable space inside the existing building(s) the units are in.
• One ADU can be added in an existing structure on the property that is currently non-livable, such as a garage. 
• Up to two ADUs can be built in a new structure(s) on the property.  These structure(s) would be detached from the existing building(s) and are limited to 16 feet in height with at least a four-foot rear and side yard setback.

4. How big can an ADU/JADU be?

• A studio or one-bedroom ADU can be up to 850 square feet.
• An ADU with more than one bedroom can be up to 1,000 square feet, except if it is attached to an existing single-family home. If attached to an existing single-family home, the ADU is limited to 50% of the size of the house. 
• There is no size limit for converting an existing accessory structure, like a garage or shed, into an ADU.
• A JADU can be up to 500 square feet and needs to be within the existing single-family home. 

5. Do I need to get a building permit for an ADU?

Yes.

You may also need an Administrative Coastal Development Permit for an ADU that is in the Coastal Zone. Contact the Planning Division for more information if you think that your proposed location may be in the Coastal Zone.  

6. What are the setbacks for an ADU?

If you are building a new ADU that will be detached from the main residence or building(s), the ADU needs to be at least 4 feet from the side and rear property lines and maintain the front yard setback required in the zone of the property. (See Example Illustration).

A minimum 10-foot separation is needed between the new ADU and the main residence or other structures.

Setbacks do not apply when converting an existing accessory structure, like a garage, pool house, or detached recreation room into an ADU. Enlarging or modifying an existing structure for an ADU would require meeting the setbacks.

An ADU that is attached to the main residence must follow the same setbacks as the main residence. 

Example Site Plan

7. Can I convert my garage into an ADU?

Yes.

Existing accessory structures such as garages, sheds, and barns can be converted into an ADU when following the appropriate guidelines.

8. What is the maximum height of an ADU?

Maximum heights only apply when building a new ADU or expanding an existing structure for an ADU:

• 16 feet for a one-story ADU. 
• Up to 22 feet on a second floor if it is not in the rear setback area, or constructed above an existing structure within the existing footprint.

9. Do I need to provide parking for the ADU?

One parking space (tandem, covered, or uncovered) is required on the property, in addition to the parking required for the main residence/unit(s), except if any of the following apply: 

• Within one-half mile of public transit;
• Within an architecturally and historically significant historic district;
• In an area where on-street parking permits are required but not offered for the ADU;
• When converting an existing garage to an ADU, the displaced parking does not need to be replaced; or
• Within one block of a city-approved and dedicated parking space for a car share vehicle.

10. Am I required to pay impact fees (e.g. sewer, water, school district) for an ADU?

• No -  if an ADU is less than 750 square feet.
• Yes - if an ADU is more than 750 square feet.

11. Can zoning regulations, like the Hillside Height Overlay, prevent me from building an ADU?

No, the City’s zoning regulations and overlays cannot prevent you from building an ADU or a JADU. For example: if the Hillside Height Overlay restricts the height of structures on a property to less than 16 feet, the ADU can still be up to 16 feet tall, and a variance is not required.

12. Does my ADU have to match the design of my house?

Generally, the design of the ADU should be compatible using similar colors and materials to the main residence or building(s) on the property. 

13. Are ADUs allowed in high fire hazard areas?

ADU’s are not allowed in the high and very high fire hazard areas; however, JADUs are allowed.

14. What is the first step I need to take to get an ADU?

You can begin the ADU process by speaking with the Planning Division to get information on whether your property allows an ADU and the applicable requirements.

Plans will then need to be created by a design professional to submit to Permit Services, along with the permit application and fees.