ADU

Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)

An ADU is an attached or detached residential dwelling unit that provides complete independent living facilities for one or more persons and is located on a lot with a proposed or existing primary residence. It shall include permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking and sanitation on the same lot as the single family or multifamily dwelling is or will be situated.

 

Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit (JADU)

A Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit is a unit that is no more than 500 square feet in size and contained entirely within a single-family residence located in a single-family zone. A JADU may include separate sanitation facilities, or may share sanitation facilities with the existing structure. The JADU or single-family residence shall be owner occupied.

 

Movable Tiny House (MTH)

A Moveable Tiny House is an enclosed space intended for separate, independent living quarters of one family and meets all of the following:

  • Is licensed and registered with the California Department of Motor Vehicles;
  • Meets the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) 119.5 requirements or the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1192 standards, and is certified for ANSI or NFPA compliance. A 3rd  party inspection agency (Design Approval Agency/Quality Assurance Agency) shall certify the MTH meets this requirement (List of approved 3rd party Design Approval Agencies (DAA) and Quality Assurance Agencies (QAA));
  • Cannot move under its own power;
  • Is no larger than allowed by California State Law for movement on public highways; and
  • Is no smaller than 150 and larger than 430 square feet as measured within the exterior faces of the exterior walls.

 

Development Standards and Requirements

ADUs and MTHs are allowed in any zone that allows for residential use by right and where there is a proposed or existing dwelling unit on the lot. JADUs are allowed in single family zones where there is a proposed or existing single family dwelling on the lot.  Parking for a newly constructed ADU is not required when it is located within one-half mile walking distance of a public transit. Replacement parking is not required when covered parking is removed in conjunction with the construction of the ADU.

ADUs are required to comply with all applicable Zoning, Building, and Residential Codes. Fire sprinklers are not required if they are not required for the primary residence. Solar panels will be required for newly constructed, detached ADUs.