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Navigate the often complex world of ADU regulations with ease. Our articles demystify ADU permitting processes, zoning laws, and local ordinances, giving you a clearer path to project approval. Benefit from the knowledge of our seasoned ADU permitting & regulatory team.
If you are wondering how many accessory dwelling units (ADUs) you can build on your property in California, the short answer is this: On many single-family properties in California, you may now be able to build up to three ADUs plus one JADU. This is the combination...
Curious how many ADUs you can build on a multifamily property in California? If you own a duplex, triplex, apartment building, or other multifamily property, the rules are often more generous than owners expect. California law allows you to add detached ADUs equal to...
Most homeowners assume a flat-looking backyard is ready for construction, but the ground beneath often tells a different story. Before designing your ADU, it’s important to know whether the soil can safely support a foundation. That’s where a soils report comes in....
Short Answer: Plan the entire property together, but treat detached new construction ADUs and any conversion or JADUs as separate projects. They can sometimes move forward during the same period, although we usually recommend separate scopes, permit packages, budgets,...
Since taking effect in 2022, SB9 has generated significant interest by giving California homeowners new options to create housing through either an urban lot split or a two-unit development on a single-family property. While the law opened the door to additional...
Most homeowners understand that adding an ADU may require electrical upgrades. What surprises many people is the confusion over who is actually responsible for paying for those upgrades. If SDG&E says your project requires a larger transformer, new distribution...
While many fees for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) less than 750 square feet will be waived automatically according to SB13 (more on that below), it is often the case for larger units that fees can approach $20,000 in ADU permit costs. This is typically a combination...
Wondering about AB 1033 in California? The landscape of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in California is continually evolving. California Assembly Bill 1033 (AB1033) is a significant piece of legislation passed in 2023, which removed the ban on selling ADUs. This blog...
The placement of your detached accessory dwelling unit (ADU) - also known as a guest house, casita, in-law suite, or granny flat - is as crucial as your choice of floor plan and finishes. Understanding setback requirements is vital for a smooth building process, as...
Fire-related risks in California are becoming increasingly prevalent. Ensuring that your accessory dwelling unit (ADU) meets safety standards is essential, both to comply with regulations and to protect lives and property. Fire safety requirements, such as fire...
California has made it easier to build an ADU, but every project still needs to meet building code requirements. These rules protect safety, health, and habitability. Many homeowners assume code compliance is simple. In reality, small details can create major issues...
In the City of San Diego, homeowners have more options than ever to add ADUs with its San Diego ADU Bonus Program, which allows more units when some are rented at affordable rates. As of August 2025, the City of San Diego has amended the Bonus Program. Below, we break...
Understanding ADU address requirements in California When embarking on the construction of an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) in California, particularly in San Diego, homeowners often encounter the nuanced process of obtaining a separate address for their new ADU. The...
You may have heard that the state of California is making an effort to move all new construction in the direction of sustainability and renewable energy. You may also hear mixed information about whether ADU solar is or is not...
If you're building an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) in the City of San Diego, one question often comes up once plans are approved: How long do we actually have before we need to start construction? Sometimes homeowners want to wait for the right moment. Maybe a family...
If your property has brush management overlays, fire access constraints, environmentally sensitive land, steep slopes, or unusual easements, you may hear your ADU designer recommend a Preliminary Review with the City before moving into full construction documents. A...
If you are thinking about building an ADU on your property, it will be important to understand where you are allowed to build. Setbacks and easements, as well as site constraints, will be the biggest factors driving the optimal placement of the unit. Let's dig in to...
California has officially removed most owner occupancy requirements for both ADUs and JADUs. This update reflects the recodified ADU statutes under Government Code Chapter 13. Accessory Dwelling Units (§§ 66310–66342), effective January 1, 2025, and the amendments to...
When homeowners first learn they can build an ADU, their next question is almost always about ADU size. How big can an ADU be in California, what is the average ADU size, and how much square footage do you actually need for a comfortable layout? Understanding the...
As Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) grow in popularity across California, many homeowners are curious about how their Homeowners Association (HOA) might affect the building process. Can an HOA prevent ADUs from being built? Fortunately, recent legislation in California...
You may have heard that a title report could be required in order to determine where you can build your accessory dwelling unit (ADU), but do you know what this process entails? Read on to learn what a title report is, what information a title report covers, when you...
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are becoming an increasingly popular option in San Diego, providing extra space for families or additional rental income. However, if your property is located within a historic district, building an ADU is possible but involves...
Are you thinking about building an ADU in the coastal zone? If you’re one of the many who live in a “coastal zone,” the good news is that the Coastal Commission is in alignment with California in supporting affordable housing, including accessory dwelling units...
Many homeowners ask if they need a survey before proceeding with the planning & permitting process for their accessory dwelling unit (ADU). While you will need a site plan to submit for permits, a boundary survey may or may not be required for ADUs in the County...