Under state law, each single-family home may now add at least one Accessory Dwelling Unit. Owner occupied single-family parcels may add one Accessory Dwelling Unit and one Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit (JADU). Multi-family parcels, per every four existing residential units, may add one Accessory Dwelling Unit, so long as the existing units were legally established.

Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) projects on single family or multi-family residential properties will not be subject to the minimum lot size of the underlying local zoning code or by special ordinance. ~ Updated: State Law AB-68

Single-family and multi-family Properties will be allowed to create up to 850 square feet for a one bed ADU or up to 1,000 square feet for a two bed ADU, regardless of the underlying zoning standards of the property. A Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit up to 500 square feet is allowed. The minimum size of any living unit (including Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)s and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units) is 150 square feet according to California Residential Code. ~ AB68 & AB881 Update

The maximum required setback for a detached new construction Accessory Dwelling Unit shall be no more than 4 ft from the rear and side property lines. Setbacks will not be required for Accessory Dwelling Units and JADUs converted from existing space that was legally eastablished. Attached Accessory Dwelling Units and conversions from existing space to be expanded will be required to comply with the setbacks of the underlying zone. ~ AB68

Replacement parking shall not apply to lots which convert an existing garage to an Accessory Dwelling Unit or Junior Accessort Dwelling Unit (JADU). ~ AB68 & AB881 Update

Accessory dwelling units shall not be required to provide fire sprinklers unless they are also required for the primary dwelling. ~ State Standards

Specific design styles and restrictions are not specified under State Standards. Passageways shall not be required in conjunction with the construction of an accessory dwelling unit. ~ State Standards

The maximum height of an ADU is not specified in the state standards. If ADU maximum height is not established locally, the height limitations of the underlying zone shall apply. ~ State Standards

The municipality shall provide a ministerial review process which is not based on a discretionary approval for an ADU. The process shall take no less than 120 days. Valid applications submitted for ADUs, if not approved or denied within 120 days from submission, shall be considered approved. ~ State Standards

No maximum number of bedrooms is established other than that implied by the maximum size of an ADU allowed. ~ State Standards

Between between 2020 and 2025, owner occupancy requirements will not apply to new Accessory Dwelling Units. (applicable to new construction and conversion units) ~ According To SB13

Connection and utility fees shall be reasonable, and shall not be disproportionately higher than those to develop primary dwellings, so as not to deter the development of ADUs. If a private sewage disposal system is used, such as a septic system, review and approval by a local health officer may be required. ~ State Standards

*** Beginning in 2020, according to state law, all residential zoning districts, including single-family and multi-family, are allowed to build Accessory Dwelling Units. ***