Although this code depends on the local municipality’s requirements, you should assume a minimum of seven feet (7′).

How close to the property line can I build an ADU?

A detached ADU must be ten feet away from the main residence and five feet away from any property lines. Since the local authority has the power to relax or tighten the laws, it is good to check with their offices before starting construction.

What are the requirements for an ADU in California?





A statewide exemption ADU is an ADU of up to 800 square feet, 16 feet in height, as potentially limited by a local agency, and with 4 feet side and rear yard setbacks. ADU law requires that no lot coverage, floor area ratio, open space, or minimum lot size will preclude the construction of a statewide exemption ADU.

What is the smallest Adu?

Generally speaking, an ADU has to be less than 16 feet tall. And if your ADU is below that 16 foot height and is under 750 square feet, its building permits can’t be blocked. If you’re building an ADU within a home or existing building, the ADU can max out at the maximum height of the existing structure.

Can an Adu have a separate address California?

Do I need to obtain a separate address for an ADU? A: An ADU can be permitted under the existing address. However, if a separate address is desired, a request for a ½ fractional number to the existing main address needs to be requested to Mapping and Property Management Division (MPM).

Is there a minimum size for an ADU in California?

The minimum size for an ADU in the state code is 150 square feet, equivalent to the minimum for an efficiency unit defined in Section 17958.1 of the Health and Safety Code.

What are the setbacks for an ADU in Los Angeles?





Setbacks: No additional setbacks shall be required for an existing living area or accessory structure, or a structure constructed in the same location and to the same dimensions as an existing structure, converted to an ADU or portion of an ADU. New construction ADUs require 4-foot side and rear yard setbacks.

What is a good size Adu?

If you are looking to build an ADU in California, you may be tempted to go big. However, we recommended building your ADU under 750 square feet. ADUs under 750 Square feet are exempt from bulk & massing development limits (i.e., lot coverage, open space, and min lot size requirements).

What is the maximum size of an ADU in California?

In absence of any local limits, California state law limits ADU size to 1,200 sq. ft. However, even with local limits, local jurisdictions must allow up to 850 sq. ft.

What is the smallest lot you can build on?

Minimum lot size is defined as the minimum size of a lot allowed for constructing a specific dwelling type. For example, a minimum lot size of 5,000 square feet for single-family homes means that a single-family home can’t legally be constructed on any lot smaller than 5,000 square feet.

Can Adu have 2 stories?



It can be attached to an existing home, attached to a garage in the rear of the lot, or detached completely. It can typically be one or two stories, with a maximum height of either 16′ or 25′ (depending on location). It must be in the backyard or side yard area and not in front of the existing home.

Can Adu be 2 stories?

In short, yes, an ADU can be two stories in many municipalities in greater San Diego! While California state law does not require that local jurisdictions allow two story ADUs, many cities – including San Diego, Oceanside, Chula Vista, El Cajon, Encinitas, Escondido – allow ADUs to be two stories.

Can Adu be used as primary residence?

The ADU was not considered a property in its own right, but rather a unit that was part of the primary residence on the lot. It could not be sold separately from the primary residence, and if the primary residence transferred hands, so did the ADU.

What is a junior Adu California?



Junior ADUs have their own definition in California’s state building code that differentiate them from other Accessory Dwelling Units in some important ways. “Junior accessory dwelling unit” means a unit that is no more than 500 square feet in size and contained entirely within a single-family residence.

Can Hoa prevent Adu?

HOAs cannot reasonably prevent ADUs from being built
Your HOA cannot stand in the way of your accessory dwelling unit. Reasonable restrictions may be placed on your ADU, but your ability to build is currently protected by California law.

Can I build a guest house on my property in California?

Thanks to recently updated regulations in California, many of them can now legally create additional living spaces on their property. However, they still have to contact licensed professionals to secure building permits and work within the limitations set for guest houses.

Can you put a tiny house in your backyard in California?

There’s no statewide tiny house law in California, so the answer to this question varies from city to city. In some places, it’s illegal to use a tiny house as a permanent residence, but in others, tiny houses are legal as long as you follow the zoning and building codes of your city.

Can I put a mobile home on my parents property in California?



The answer is yes! Modular homes are becoming more and more popular because of their affordability and easy installation. Any structure that is built on your parent’s property will be considered a part of their land and therefore will be subject to the same laws as their primary home.

Can I build 2 ADUs on my property in California?

You Can Now Add Two ADUs – Homeowners are also now allowed to add two ADUs on a single-family zoned property. According to the new guidelines, one must be a full ADU and the other a JADU, which can be created by converting a part of the existing residence. A JADU can not be larger than 500 square feet.

Can an ADU in California have a garage?

Is it legal to convert my garage into an ADU? If you own a single-family home anywhere in California with residential zoning, then yes, you can build a Garage Conversion ADU. Each city and county have slightly different requirements for converting your garage into a rental.

How much does it cost to build an ADU in California?

The median statewide construction cost of an ADU is $150,000, or $250/square foot. A significant portion of ADUs (37%) cost less than $100,000 to build, and 71% of ADUs cost less than $200,000 to construct.