FAQ Topic: Planning and Building

Examine the information provided for ADUs here.

Please check with your homeowners association. In general, HOAs cannot prohibit the construction of an ADU or JADU.

Yes, ADUs must have pedestrian access from the street.

For ADUs, one parking space is required for newly constructed units unless the unit is: Within 1/2 mile of public transit. Created within the area of an existing building. In a historic district. Not offered an on-street parking permit when one is required. On the same block as a car share. A studio unit. No … Continued

Attached ADU – An attached ADU can be built on any side of the house, but all required setbacks apply. Detached ADU – A detached ADU is generally constructed behind the primary residence, however due to existing conditions and site constraints, they may be permitted in other areas provided all development standards are met.

Up to one ADU and one JADU per lot developed with a single-family residence. Up to two detached ADUs are allowed on properties with multifamily units and up to 25% of the existing units in the multifamily building through conversion of existing non-habitable space. JADUs are not allowed on properties developed with multifamily dwellings or … Continued

There are generally two types of  ADUs: Conversion of existing permitted space, including an accessory structure or a portion of the existing primary residence into an ADU A new attached or detached ADU  

A JADU is a residential dwelling unit that is no more than 500 square feet in area, contained entirely within a proposed or existing single-family dwelling or attached garage, and can have bath/sanitation facilities that are either separate or shared with the existing single-family dwelling.

An Accessory Dwelling Unit or ADU is an attached or detached residential dwelling unit that provides complete independent living facilities for one or more persons, is located on a parcel in conjunction with a proposed or existing principal residence and includes permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation. An ADU may also include … Continued