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.
In 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.
If 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.
The good news is that your property can be any size and be eligible for an ADU. There are no minimum lot size restrictions.
Generally, 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).
Yes, 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.
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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.
This is a sync test -- after the CMS name change.
We 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.
Embarking 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.
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Navigating 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.
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