This chapter provides standards by which the city shall evaluate and ministerially approve an application for the siting and construction of an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) on a lot with an existing or proposed dwelling located in areas zoned to allow single-family or multifamily residential use in compliance with California Government Code Sections 66310 through 66342, as may be amended.
For the purposes of this chapter “livable space” shall be defined as a space in a dwelling intended for human habitation, including living, sleeping, eating, cooking or sanitation.
(Ord. 92-73; Ord. 97-151; Ord. 16-355 § 1; Ord. 16-365 § 1; Ord. 18-384 § 1; Ord. 19-405 § 1; Ord. 20-416 § 1; Ord. 23-449, 11/13/2023; Ord. 26-479, 3/9/2026)
A. 
ADUs are permitted in all zone districts allowing single-family or multifamily residential uses on lots developed with existing or proposed dwellings.
B. 
An ADU may be established in the following methods:
1. 
Attached to, or located within, an existing or proposed primary dwelling.
2. 
A new detached structure, or located within or attached to an accessory structure, including detached garages or similar structures.
3. 
Conversion of existing attached or detached accessory structures, including garages, storage areas, or similar structures.
4. 
Reconstruction of an existing structure or living area that is proposed to be converted to an ADU, or a portion thereof, in the same location and to the same dimensions and setbacks as the existing structure.
C. 
Only one JADU may be established within the space of an existing or proposed single-family residence, on a lot that is zoned to allow single-family residential uses. JADUs are not permitted on multi-family development sites.
D. 
On a lot that is zoned to permit an existing or proposed single-family dwelling, an ADU conversion of existing living space (or an attached ADU), and a JADU may be established within the space of the single-family dwelling in combination with the construction of one detached, new construction ADU not exceeding 1,200 square feet with four-foot side and rear yard setbacks, for a total of four dwelling units per lot including the single-family dwelling.
E. 
Multiple ADUs not to exceed the number specified in subsections E.1 through 3 below, as applicable, that are located on a lot that has an existing or proposed multi-family dwelling, but are detached from that multi-family dwelling and are subject to the height limitation per Section 17.80.030.A.4 of this chapter, and as applicable, with minimum side and rear yard setbacks of four feet, shall be permitted subject to the following provisions:
1. 
A minimum of one ADU within an existing multi-family dwelling unit may be constructed, or up to 25% of the existing multi-family dwelling unit count is permitted within nonlivable space, including, but not limited to, storage rooms, passageways, attics, basements, or closets.
2. 
On a lot with an existing multi-family dwelling, not more than eight detached accessory dwelling units. However, the number of ADUs allowable pursuant to this section shall not exceed the number of existing multi-family units on the lot.
3. 
On a lot with a proposed multi-family dwelling, not more than two detached ADUs are permitted.
(Ord. 92-73; Ord. 97-151; Ord. 16-355 § 1; Ord. 16-365 § 1; Ord. 18-384 § 1; Ord. 19-405 § 1; Ord. 20-416 § 1; Ord. 23-449, 11/13/2023; Ord. 26-479, 3/9/2026)
A. 
Development Standards. Accessory dwelling units shall comply with the following standards:
1. 
ADU Type, Location and Size.
a. 
Attached Unit. An ADU attached to an existing primary dwelling shall not exceed 50% of the total existing or proposed living area of the primary dwelling, except that an attached ADU up to a maximum size of 850 square feet for a one-bedroom unit or up to 1,000 square feet for two- or more bedroom unit may be permitted.
b. 
Detached Unit. An ADU structurally independent and detached from the existing or proposed primary dwelling shall not exceed 1,200 square feet.
c. 
ADUs shall have independent exterior access from the primary dwelling. No passageway to the primary dwelling shall be required.
d. 
ADUs shall not be required to provide fire sprinklers if they are not required for the primary residence.
e. 
Except as otherwise provided in Government Code Section 66341, no ADU may be sold or otherwise conveyed separately from the property and the primary residence.
f. 
There is no owner-occupant requirement for ADUs.
2. 
JADU Location, Size, and Standards.
a. 
A JADU shall be constructed entirely within an existing or proposed single-family dwelling (and enclosed uses within the dwelling, such as an attached garage are part of the proposed or existing dwelling) and shall not exceed 500 square feet of livable space per Government Code Section 66313.
b. 
JADUs shall have an independent exterior entrance from the single-family dwelling but may also include shared access between two units. In instances where the JADU shares a bathroom with the primary dwelling, the JADU shall have an interior entry to the primary dwelling's main living area, independent of the exterior entrances of the JADU and the primary dwelling.
c. 
A JADU, at a minimum, shall include an efficiency kitchen as defined in Section 17.04.080.
d. 
The property owner shall be required to reside in either the single-family dwelling unit or the JADU if there are shared sanitation facilities between the single-family dwelling and the JADU per Government Code Section 66333(b). However, this requirement is not applicable if the JADU has separate sanitation facilities.
e. 
JADUs are prohibited from being sold or conveyed separately from the primary dwelling unit. Prior to issuance of a building permit for the JADU, the property owner shall file with the city a deed restriction for recordation with the County Recorder, which shall run with the land and include the provisions listed in Government Code Section 66333.
3. 
Setbacks.
a. 
Have minimum interior side and rear setbacks of four feet and street side setback of 10 feet. Such ADU shall not have a greater front yard setback requirement than that of the primary residence.
b. 
No setback shall be required for an existing living area or accessory structure in the same location and to the same dimensions as an existing structure that is converted to an accessory dwelling unit or to a portion of an accessory dwelling unit, and a setback of no more than four feet from the side and rear lot lines shall be required for an accessory dwelling unit that is not converted from an existing structure or a new structure constructed in the same location and to the same dimensions as an existing structure.
c. 
Setback from Structures. Be set back from other structures on the parcel consistent with the city-adopted building code.
4. 
Height. An attached or detached ADU shall comply with the following requirements:
a. 
A proposed detached ADU that is located within one-half mile of a major transit stop or high quality transit corridor on a lot with a single-family or multifamily dwelling unit may be constructed to a maximum height of 20 feet or match the roof pitch of the primary dwelling unit, whichever is greater.
b. 
Where a lot has an existing or a proposed single-family or multifamily dwelling unit, a proposed detached ADU may be constructed to a maximum height of 18 feet or match the height of the primary dwelling unit, whichever is greater.
c. 
Where a proposed ADU is being attached to a primary dwelling unit, the height of the ADU shall be limited to 35 feet, not to exceed two stories.
d. 
Where a lot has an existing or a proposed single-family or multifamily dwelling unit, a proposed ADU may be constructed above an existing or proposed detached garage and shall be limited to 35 feet in height, not to exceed two stories.
5. 
Location on Parcel. An accessory dwelling unit can either be attached to, or located within, the proposed or existing primary dwelling, including attached garages, storage areas or similar uses, or an accessory structure or detached from the proposed or existing primary dwelling and located on the same lot as the proposed or existing dwelling.
6. 
Fire Sprinklers. Fire sprinklers are required for a JADU or ADU only if fire sprinklers are required for a primary residence per the California Building Code. A proposal to construct a JADU or ADU shall not trigger a requirement for fire sprinklers to be installed for an existing primary residence.
B. 
Compatibility. The accessory dwelling unit shall be designed and constructed to be compatible with the existing house as to height, style, materials, and colors.
C. 
Off-Street Parking.
1. 
At least one additional off-street parking space shall be provided for the accessory dwelling unit or bedroom, whichever is less, unless otherwise exempt under Section 17.80.030.E.
2. 
The parking spaces required for the accessory dwelling unit can be in tandem to the required parking of the main residential structure, may be uncovered, and can be located within the front setback as long as all other yard requirements are met.
3. 
The accessory dwelling unit shall utilize the same vehicular access which serves the existing dwelling unit.
D. 
Off-Street Parking Exemption. Off-street parking shall not be imposed in any of the following instances:
1. 
When the accessory dwelling unit is located within one-half mile walking distance of public transit;
2. 
When the accessory dwelling unit is located within an architecturally and historically significant historic district;
3. 
When the accessory dwelling unit is part of the existing primary residence or an existing accessory structure;
4. 
When on-street parking permits are required but not offered to the occupant of the accessory dwelling unit;
5. 
When there is a car share vehicle located within one block of the accessory dwelling unit;
6. 
When a garage, carport, or covered parking structure is demolished in conjunction with the construction of a JADU or ADU or when such structure is being converted to an accessory dwelling unit, those off-street parking spaces are not required to be replaced.
E. 
Mobilehomes or Manufactured Housing. Mobilehomes or manufactured housing on permanent foundations shall be permitted as an accessory dwelling unit, only if they are installed on permanent foundations, and the mobilehome complies with the 1974 National Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Act.
F. 
Addressing. Detached ADUs shall have a separate address from the primary dwelling. An attached ADU or JADU may request a separate address from the primary dwelling.
(Ord. 92-73; Ord. 97-151; Ord. 16-355 § 1; Ord. 18-384 § 1; Ord. 19-405 § 1; Ord. 20-416 § 1; Ord. 22-431 § 1; Ord. 23-449, 11/13/2023; Ord. 26-479, 3/9/2026)
A. 
Utility Service and Kitchen Facilities. Accessory dwelling units shall be provided with adequate water, sewer and other utilities.
B. 
Fees. Fees charged for the construction of ADUs shall be consistent with Government Code Section 66311.5.
(Ord. 92-73; Ord. 97-151; Ord. 16-355 § 1; Ord. 18-384 § 1; Ord. 19-405 § 1; Ord. 20-416 § 1; Ord. 23-449, 11/13/2023; Ord. 26-479, 3/9/2026)
A. 
Approval Process. An accessory dwelling unit and junior accessory dwelling unit is considered and approved ministerially, without discretionary review or hearing, if it meets the minimum standards in this chapter.
B. 
Timing. The city must act on an application to create an accessory dwelling unit or junior accessory dwelling unit within 15 days from the date that the city receives a complete application and the city must act on an application to create an accessory dwelling unit or junior accessory dwelling unit within 60 days from the date that the city receives a complete application if there is an existing single-family or multi-family dwelling on the lot, unless either:
1. 
The applicant requests a delay, in which case the 60 day time period is tolled for the period of the requested delay; or
2. 
In the case of a junior accessory dwelling unit and the application to create a junior accessory dwelling unit is submitted with a permit application to create a new single-family dwelling on a lot, the city may delay acting on the permit application for the junior accessory dwelling unit until the city acts on the permit application to create new single-family dwelling, but the application to create the junior accessory dwelling unit will still be considered ministerially without discretionary review or a hearing.
3. 
If the city deems the application incomplete, the city shall provide list of incomplete items and a description of how the application can be made complete.
(Ord. 20-416 § 1; Ord. 26-479, 3/9/2026)
Notwithstanding the above standards, all accessory dwelling units established under this chapter shall meet all of the requirements of the zoning district for which the accessory dwelling unit is in as to fences, walls and hedges; frontage; width and depth of site; height of structures; distance between structures; signs; applicable building and fire codes and general provisions and exceptions.
(Ord. 92-73; Ord. 97-151; Ord. 16-355 § 1; Ord. 18-384 § 1; Ord. 19-405 § 1; Ord. 20-416 § 1)
A. 
The City may not deny a permit to legalize an existing but unpermitted ADU or JADU that was constructed before January 1, 2020, if denial is based on either of the following grounds:
1. 
The ADU or JADU violates applicable building standards; or
2. 
The ADU does not comply with the state ADU or JADU law or this chapter.
B. 
The City may deny a permit to legalize an existing but unpermitted ADU or a JADU that was constructed before January 1, 2020, if the City makes a finding that correcting a violation is necessary to comply with standards specified in California Health and Safety Code Section 17920.3.
(Ord. 26-479, 3/9/2026)