California ADU Laws & Rules (2026)

Compare ADU zoning rules across 10 California cities. Average ADU score: 8.0/10.

Most ADU-Friendly StateSB 1211 (Jan 2025)AB 1033 (2024)No Owner Occupancy

Key California ADU Laws

Statewide Rules (Apply to All CA Cities)

  • No parking required for ADUs (AB 68)
  • No owner-occupancy required through 2030 (SB 13 extension)
  • 60-day ministerial review — cities must approve or deny within 60 days
  • Impact fees waived for ADUs under 750 sq ft
  • Up to 1,200 sq ft for detached ADUs; 500 sq ft for JADUs
  • 4 ft setbacks for structures up to 16 ft height

New in 2024-2025

  • SB 1211 (Jan 2025): Up to 8 detached ADUs on multifamily lots (was 2)
  • AB 1033 (2024): Cities can opt-in to allow separate sale of ADUs as condos
  • Unpermitted ADU Amnesty (Jan 2025): Retroactive permits for unpermitted ADUs

California Cities ADU Comparison

CityMax SizeSetbacksPermit FeesBuild Cost1BR RentScore
Anaheim 1,200 sq ft 4 ft $3,500-$12,000 $130,000-$290,000 $1,700-$2,300/mo 7/10
Fresno 1,200 sq ft 4 ft $2,500-$8,000 $80,000-$200,000 $1,000-$1,400/mo 7/10
Long Beach 1,200 sq ft 4 ft $3,000-$10,000 $120,000-$280,000 $1,500-$2,100/mo 8/10
Los Angeles 1,200 sq ft 4 ft for units ≤16 ft height $4,000-$15,000 depending on size and type $150,000-$350,000 $1,800-$2,500/mo 9/10
Oakland 1,200 sq ft 4 ft $4,000-$15,000 $160,000-$380,000 $1,800-$2,600/mo 8/10
Sacramento 1,200 sq ft 4 ft $3,000-$10,000 $100,000-$250,000 $1,300-$1,800/mo 8/10
San Diego 1,200 sq ft 4 ft $3,500-$12,000 $120,000-$300,000 $1,600-$2,200/mo 9/10
San Francisco 1,200 sq ft 4 ft minimum $5,000-$20,000 depending on scope $200,000-$450,000 $2,200-$3,200/mo 9/10
San Jose 1,200 sq ft 4 ft $4,000-$14,000 $180,000-$400,000 $2,000-$2,800/mo 8/10
Santa Ana 1,200 sq ft 4 ft $3,500-$12,000 $130,000-$300,000 $1,700-$2,300/mo 7/10

Get Free ADU Quotes in California

Connect with pre-vetted ADU contractors in your area. Free, no obligation.

🔒 Your info is secure. We connect you with up to 3 vetted local contractors. No spam, no obligation.

Finance Your ADU Project

Most ADU projects are funded through HELOCs, construction loans, or cash-out refinancing. Compare rates from top lenders in minutes.

Compare ADU Financing Options →

Stay Updated on ADU Law Changes

Get notified when ADU regulations change in your city. Join 5,000+ homeowners and investors.