THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE CONSIDERING AN ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT (ADU) OR A JUNIOR ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT (JADU) ! 

This page contains the most frequently requested information and does not include all provisions of the ADU Ordinance.  For a detailed list of all requirements, review Municipal Code Section 18.90.080 (ADU and Junior ADU) 

Is my property eligible for ADU/JADU? 

ADU and JADU can be constructed on residential zoned properties with a single-family or multi-family dwellings.  

Where can I locate it? 

• New addition, attached to primary house
• New detached addition
• Conversion of existing floor area
• Conversion of enclosed garage 

What size can it be? 

ADU including new and converted structures shall not exceed 1,000 square feet and shall not exceed more than two bedrooms. 

JADU shall not exceed 500 square feet in single-family residential zoned property and shall not expand the size of an existing residential dwelling by more than 150 square feet. 

What must it include? 

• A bathroom
• A kitchen
• Independent entrance/access
• Service from utilities, including sewer, water and electric 

What are the required setbacks? 

• Front: 20 feet
• Rear: 4 feet
• Side: 4 feet

What are the parking requirements? 

No additional parking is required when an ADU or a Junior ADU is: 

• Within 1/2 mile radius of public bus/train stop.
•  Located within a historically significant district.
•  In a area where on-street parking permits are required but not offered  to the occupant.
•  Located within one block of a fixed car-share area. 

Do I have to install fire sprinklers? 

It depends on the type of ADU.  Check with Building and Safety Division for specifics. 

Will it have a separate address? 

Yes, the ADU and/or JADU will have its own address.  

What about utilities? 

Separate water and electric meters are not required. The applicant may voluntarily install a new or separate utility connection for the ADU/JADU.  Any utility charges or fees must be consistent with California Government Code Section 65852.2.  

What is the maximum height? 

No attached or detached ADU/JADU shall exceed two stories or 30 feet in height or the existing height of the legal primary dwelling on the lot, whichever is less.  However, in no event shall the provision of the code preclude an ADU/JADU that has a height of up to 16 feet.

What development standards apply? 

It depends on the type of ADU.  Check with Building and Safety Division for specifics.  requirements. 

Can I rent it? 

The owner must reside in either the primary dwelling unit or the ADU/JADU, or the entire property must be rented as one.  Short term rentals are prohibited. 

The property owner must obtain a City business license for property rental before renting out any ADU or JADU separately from the primary house. 

Can I sell it? 

No, you can only sell your home and ADU/JADU together.  

What about the design of my ADU or JADU? 

ADU/JADU must be architecturally compatible with the existing primary structure in style, exterior materials, colors and roof pitch.  

Will it affect future additions? 

If future addition of floor area is planned for the property, it should be completed and finalized before any garage conversion to an ADU/JADU, because addition of any new floor area requires all required parking to be provided.

Benefits of an ADU and a Junior ADU 

1. Promote housing for relatives, friends, caregivers, etc.
2.  Becomes a source of income for homeowners
3.  Adds homes for a relatively affordable cost
4.  Environmentally efficient

Are You Ready to Move Forward?

Then follow these steps: 

1. Hire a draftsperson or an architect to prepare a site plan and a floor plan showing what you want to do
2.  Schedule an appointment with a Planner for feedback 

Application Form

How to schedule an appointment: 

Email: knguyen@hgcity.org

Telephone: 562-420-2641, Extension 246