A Junior ADU (JADU) is an ADU of no more than 500 square feet. A JADU must be within a proposed or existing single-family home or accessory structure, such as a garage.
Unlike ADUs, JADUs may share a bathroom with the single-family home and must only meet “efficiency kitchen” requirements.
Accessory Dwelling Unit (attached / detached)Detached ADUs are located in free-standing buildings that are separate from the main single-family home or multi-family building.
Attached ADUs involve adding on to a single-family home.
ADUs are typically no more than 1,200 square feet.
Attic ConversionAn Attic Conversions transforms your unused attic space into a livable, independent housing unit, complete with necessary amenities, providing extra living space or a rental opportunity without altering your home's footprint, enhancing functionality and potentially increasing your property's value
Basement ConversionA Basement Conversion ADU turns your lower level into a self-contained living area, ideal for renting out or housing family, with added privacy and use of existing space, often boosting home value and utility without changing the exterior structure of your home.
Garage ConversionA Garage Conversion ADU repurposes your garage into a separate, functional living unit, ideal for renting or family use. It leverages underutilized space, potentially increasing your property's value and utility, while preserving the home's external facade, offering a practical, less intrusive approach to expanding living areas.
SB9 Lot SplitCalifornia's SB9 enables homeowners to split their single-family lot, allowing the construction of up to four residential units, maximizing land use, increasing housing availability, and offering potential income streams while adhering to local zoning and space regulations.
Know what's allowed on your property
California state law dictates a minimum 4-foot setback from the rear and side yard for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). The distance between an ADU and the primary residence isn't set at the state level and may be subject to local regulations.
Square FootageIn California, you can build an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) up to 1,200 square feet, subject to local regulations. However, state law mandates that local jurisdictions must allow ADUs of at least 800 square feet and 16 feet in height.
Generally, you should be able to build an ADU that’s at least one-story and 16 feet in height. Depending on your residential zoning code, you may be able to build two stories
Generally, conversion ADUs and junior ADUs don’t require any parking. Attached and detached ADUs will require 1 parking space, unless your project qualifies for an exemption from the parking requirements.
Number of ADUs allowedIf you have a single-family home, you can for the most part have one or two ADUs on it. The number of ADUs allowed on multi-family properties depends on the type of ADU constructed and how many dwelling units are already on the property.
Minimum Lot SizeThe good news is that your property can be any size and be eligible for an ADU. There are no minimum lot size restrictions.
Allowed locationsGenerally, you can have an ADU on your property if residential uses are allowed on it, although exceptions may apply. Also, you must have an existing or proposed single-family home on your property or an existing multi-family building (which is a fancy way to say a duplex, triplex, or other type of apartment or condo building).
Renting the ADUYes, your ADU can be rented out, although most cities don’t allow short-term rentals of ADUs. This means you can probably only rent your ADU out for a period of month or longer.
Generally, the property owner will only have to live on the property if a JADU is built on it.
You may be able to build based on how your property is zoned. You’ll need to call your local zoning department to confirm.
1Pre-Approved Plans: There are no Pre-Approved Plans for this Jurisdiction. Check back soon for new ADU plans that are Pre-Reviewed or browse the plans below. New plans will be added regularly so check back often.
Thank you! Your submission has been received! Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form. No items found. S-257 - Gable S-257 - Shed 1B-553 - Gable 1B-553 - Shed The Barnhouse The Agrarian Station Pod Dwell 1178 Live Plus 741 A-frame 120 Casita 850 Adore Horizon 866 Snap ADU Two-Story 2b2b The Modal 01 Navajo 960 Novato 1200 Kithaus K6 Kithaus K9 Kithaus K4 Kithaus K7 Plus Hus Full The H1200a Abodu StudioNo worries, try adjusting the filters
2 Bathroom 1 Bathroom In Unit Washer / Dryer 750 square foot 500 square foot 800 square foot 1200 square foot Pre-Designed Self Sufficient Custom Design Panelized Prefab Site Built ADU Prefab ADU Traditional Design Modern Design Plans Only Standard Plan Pre-Reviewed Customizations Full Service Builder Smart Home 2 Bathroom 1 Bathroom Solar Ready Fire Resistant In Unit Washer / DryerWe offer multiple lending solutions for ADU projects, considering both the future value and potential rental income to assist more homeowners in qualifying. Our programs are designed to be inclusive, factoring in your home's expected post-project value. Importantly, you can secure funding without the need to refinance your existing mortgage, courtesy of our construction loan partner.
This streamlined financing can make the difference in realizing your ADU addition while maintaining your current home loan structure.
Site PlannerEmbarking on an ADU project begins with the perfect placement. Our Property Planner is an intuitive tool designed to help you visualize your future ADU on your property.
It considers local zoning laws, setbacks, and unique site conditions to suggest the optimal location for your new unit. You can experiment with different spots on your property, ensuring compliance and maximizing both functionality and aesthetics. By providing a clear visual layout, the tool aids in strategic decision-making, helping to streamline the planning phase of your ADU project.
ADU Cost CalculatorNavigating the financials of building an ADU can be complex, but our Cost Calculator demystifies the process. By inputting a few details about your planned ADU, you’ll receive an instant estimate that helps you understand the financial commitment involved.
This tool takes into account various factors, including materials, labor, size, and design preferences, giving you a comprehensive and tailored budget outline. It’s designed to help you plan efficiently, avoid unexpected costs, and align your ADU project with your financial reality.