ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit)

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Need more living space for your family?

Need more living space for your family? Want to earn rental income? You can build an accessory dwelling unit on the residential or agriculturally zoned property that you own.

 

What is an ADU?

An ADU is a dwelling unit with a full kitchen and bathroom, which is an accessory use to a primary or main single family residence. The ADU can be used as a rental, but cannot be sold separately from the primary or main single family residence. The existing residence must be a legally established structure.

 

What are the benefits of ADUs?

• ADUs are an affordable type of home to construct in California because they do not require paying for land, major new infrastructure, structured parking, or elevators.

• ADUs can provide a source of income for homeowners.

• ADUs are built with cost-effective wood frame construction, which is significantly less costly than homes in new multifamily infill buildings.

• ADUs allow extended families to be near one another while maintaining privacy.

• ADUs can provide as much living space as many newly-built apartments and condominiums, and they’re suited well for couples, small families, friends, young people, and seniors.

• ADUs give homeowners the flexibility to share independent living areas with family members and others, allowing seniors to age in place as they require more care.

 

Overview

On January 1, 2017, new State laws took effect that create new opportunities for accessory dwelling units (also known as ADUs, “backyard homes,” or “granny flats”). 

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Types of ADUs

• Detached new construction ADUs, also sometimes called backyard cottages, granny flats, laneway houses:

• Garage conversion ADUs

• ADUs above a garage or workshop, or attached to it. In some areas, these may be called garage apartments or carriage houses

• Addition ADUs or “bump-out ADUs”

• Basement conversion ADUs, also commonly called basement apartments, mother-in-law units, in law units, secondary suites, English basements, accessory apartments, and a host of other names.

• Internal ADUs, where part of the primary house besides the basement is converted to an ADU.

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