Accessory Dwellings

Overview

ADU Central

What is an Accessory Dwelling Unit?

An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU), commonly known as a "granny flat" or "mother-in-law" unit, is a smaller home on your property. ADUs can be detached (stand-alone building) or attached (connected to your home), can be a small area in your home, or can be accomplished through a garage conversion. Regardless of the type, an ADU will always contain everything someone needs to live, including a kitchen, bathroom, and place to sleep.

ADUs are permitted in all residential zones and with additional requirements, office/commercial zones.

Please review the ADU FAQ page, or contact the Planning Department for more information.

What is an Accessory Dwelling Unit?

An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU), commonly known as a “granny flat” or “mother-in-law” unit, is a smaller home on your property. ADUs can be detached (stand-alone building) or attached (connected to your home), can be a small area in your home, or can be accomplished through a garage conversion. Regardless of the type, an ADU will always contain everything someone needs to live, including a kitchen, bathroom, and place to sleep.

ADUs are permitted in all residential zones and with additional requirements, office/commercial zones.

Please review the ADU FAQ page, or contact the Planning Department for more information.

ADU Development Standards

Overview

ADU Development Standards

Zoning Regulations

Maximum Size (Floor Area) of an ADU

  • Detached: Detached ADUs cannot exceed a total of 1,200 square feet. If the unit is greater than 800 square feet, lot coverage must be
  • Attached: Attached ADUs may be up to 60% of the size of the primary dwelling, with a maximum size of 1,200 square feet. Regardless of the size of the primary home, an attached ADU with no more than 1 bedroom may be up to 850 square feet. An attached ADU with 2 or more bedrooms may be up to 1,000 square feet.

Lot Coverage

Lot coverage is the amount of your property that may be covered with structures. ADUs 800 square feet or less are exempt from lot coverage requirements and ADUs larger than 800 square feet must meet the lot coverage requirements. Allowed lot coverage ranges from 30% coverage to 50%, depending on the property’s zoning. To find out the zoning of your property, submit a zoning request online.

Setbacks (Distance From Property Line)

Structures are required to be located a certain distance from the property line. The required setback for an ADU is as follows:

  • Conversion of existing space: No additional setback is required if you are converting a legally built structure into an ADU.
  • Newly constructed detached unit: A minimum of 4-foot side yard and rear yard setback. Note: In some cases a setback may need to be larger than the minimum required due to easements for utilities, drainage, access, etc.
  • Attached ADU: A minimum of 5-foot side yard setback and a 20-foot rear yard setback. In some cases, the rear yard setback for attached units may be reduced to 10 feet. If your project requires a reduced rear yard setback, contact the Planning Division at (916) 625-5100 to see if your property qualifies.
  • If the ADU is proposed in the front of primary residence or along a street side of a property, the setbacks shall meet the requirements of the property’s zoning.

Maximum Height

The maximum height is 16 feet for a detached unit and 30 feet for an attached unit.

Parking

No additional parking is required for an ADU.

Density

ADUs are exempt from density calculations.

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