Frequently Asked Questions

An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a secondary housing unit located on the same property as a primary residence. ADUs can serve various purposes, such as rental units, guest houses, or additional living spaces for family members.

✔️ Affordable Housing Solution – Offers homeowners and renters a lower-cost alternative to expensive housing markets.  

✔️ Rental Income Potential – Can generate passive income through long-term leases or short-term rentals.  

✔️ Flexible Living Arrangements – Provides space for multi-generational families, home offices, or guest accommodations.  

✔️ Increased Property Value – Homes with ADUs are more attractive to buyers and appraise for higher values.  

✔️ Streamlined Laws – Recent California legislation has made ADU permitting and construction easier and faster.  

California has statewide laws governing ADUs, with the goal of increasing housing supply while maintaining neighborhood aesthetics. Key regulations include:  

- ADUs under 800 sq. ft. must follow standardized state laws, limiting local restrictions on design, lot coverage, and height.  

- Local governments cannot impose stricter rules for ADUs under 800 sq. ft. but can regulate larger ADUs.  

- ADUs can be built as close as 4 feet from property lines and can reach **up to 16 feet in height.  

- The maximum ADU size is 1,200 sq. ft., but anything over 800 sq. ft. is subject to local regulations.  

- You can build one ADU and one JADU per single-family property.  

- ADUs can be attached or detached and can be as large as 1,200 sq. ft.  

- Junior ADUs (JADUs) no longer require a private bathroom if one is accessible within the main home.  

Yes, all ADUs require permits before construction begins. These typically include:

• Zoning Approval – Confirms compliance with land use and setback requirements.
• Building Permits – Ensures structural, electrical, and plumbing safety.
• Additional Permits – Some cities require environmental or historic preservation permits.

• Detached ADUs – Standalone structures separate from the main house.
• Attached ADUs – Extensions of the main home.
• Garage Conversions – Transforms an existing garage into a livable space.
• Basement Apartments – Converts a basement into an independent unit.
• Junior ADUs (JADUs) – Small units within the existing home footprint.

• Faster Construction – Prefab units can be installed in weeks instead of months.
• Lower Costs – often cheaper than traditional builds.
• Predictable Timeline & Budget – No unexpected delays or cost overruns.