Everything about building Accessory Dwelling Units in Laguna Niguel, CA
Check your property's zoning, browse designs & get contractor estimates for your ADU project:
Last Updated 08/14/21
Number of ADUs allowed:
Under state law, each single-family home may now add at least one Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU). Owner occupied single-family properties may add one Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) and one Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit (JADU). Multi-family properties, per every four existing residential units, may add one Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU), so long as the existing units were legally established.
Types of ADUs allowed:
Detached ADU, Attached ADU, Junior ADU are permitted. ADUs may be new construction or converted from existing space. JADUs must be converted from existing space.
Lot size:
Single family and multi-family residential parcels will not be subject to the minimum lot size of the underlying zoning district or by ordinance for ADU projects. ~ AB-68
ADU size:
Single-family and multi-family Lots will be allowed to build up to 850 square feet for a one bedroom ADU or up to 1,000 square feet for a two bedroom ADU, regardless of the underlying zoning standards of the property. A Junior Accessort Dwelling Unit (JADU) up to 500 square feet is allowed. The minimum size of any living unit (including Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Accessort Dwelling Unit (JADU)s) is 150 square feet according to California Residential Code. ~ Updated: State Law AB-68
Setbacks:
Setbacks for a detached new construction Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) shall be no more than 4 feet from the rear and side lot lines. No setbacks shall be required for Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)s and JADUs converted from legally eastablished existing space. Attached new construction Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)s and conversions from existing space to be expanded must comply with the setbacks of the underlying zone. ~ AB68 & AB881 Update
Parking:
Replacement parking shall not apply to lots which convert an existing garage to an Accessory Dwelling Unit or Junior ADU. ~ Updated: State Law AB-68
Fire Safety:
Accessory dwelling units shall not be required to provide fire sprinklers if they are not required for the primary residence and may employ alternative methods for fire protection. (State requirements)
Shape, materials and style:
State Standards don't specify design restrictions.
Height:
State Standards don't specify height restrictions.
Design review:
State Standards don't require any additional design review.
Number of Bedrooms:
Not specified by State Standards.
Ownership:
Between between 2020 and 2025, owner occupancy requirements will not apply to new Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)s. (applicable to new construction and conversion units) ~ According To SB13
Utility connections:
Local health officer approval where a private sewage disposal system is being used, if required. (State requirements)
Permit Fees
Allowed Zones:
*** Beginning in 2020, according to state law, all residential zoning districts, including single-family and multi-family, are allowed to build Accessory Dwelling Units. ***
Residential Building Code:
The California Building Code (CBC) 2019 is adopted.
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