ADUByCity

Data Resource

California ADU Laws by City: Complete Comparison

Every California city's ADU regulations in one place. Max size, setbacks, permit fees, build costs, and rental income for all 100 cities. Click any column header to sort.

All data sourced from official city planning departments. Last verified March 2026.

100 of 100 cities
City↕County↕Max Detached↓JADU Max↕Rear Setback↕Max Height↕Permit Fees↕Build Cost↕Rental/mo↕Details
Los AngelesLos Angeles1,200 sq ft500 sq ft4 ft16 ft (detached); 25 ft if attached to primary$5,000 – $25,000$150,000 – $450,000$1,800 – $4,500View
San DiegoSan Diego1,200 sq ft500 sq ft4 ft16 ft detached; match primary for attached$4,000 – $18,000$160,000 – $480,000$1,600 – $4,000View
San JoseSanta Clara1,200 sq ft500 sq ft4 ft16 ft (detached); 25 ft if above garage$5,000 – $20,000$200,000 – $550,000$2,200 – $5,500View
San FranciscoSan Francisco1,200 sq ft500 sq ft45 ft from rear property line in RH zones; 25 ft in RM zonesMatch existing structure height or 16 ft for detached$8,000 – $35,000$250,000 – $700,000$2,500 – $6,500View
FresnoFresno1,200 sq ft500 sq ft4 ft16 ft$4,000 – $10,000$90,000 – $200,000$900 – $1,600View
SacramentoSacramento1,200 sq ft500 sq ft4 ft16 ft (detached single-story); 24 ft (two-story detached)$3,500 – $15,000$130,000 – $380,000$1,400 – $3,200View
Long BeachLos Angeles1,200 sq ft500 sq ft4 ft16 ft detached; attached may match primary dwelling$4,500 – $18,000$150,000 – $420,000$1,700 – $3,800View
OaklandAlameda1,200 sq ft500 sq ft4 ft (may be 0 ft for conversions of existing structures)16 ft (detached); attached may match height of primary dwelling up to 25 ft$5,000 – $22,000$200,000 – $550,000$2,000 – $5,000View
BakersfieldKern1,200 sq ft500 sq ft4 ft16 ft$3,500 – $9,000$85,000 – $190,000$850 – $1,500View
AnaheimOrange1,200 sq ft500 sq ft4 ft16 ft$6,000 – $14,000$140,000 – $300,000$1,600 – $2,800View
StocktonSan Joaquin1,200 sq ft500 sq ft4 ft16 ft$3,500 – $9,000$90,000 – $200,000$1,000 – $1,700View
RiversideRiverside1,200 sq ft500 sq ft4 ft16 ft$5,000 – $11,000$110,000 – $240,000$1,200 – $2,100View
Santa AnaOrange1,200 sq ft500 sq ft4 ft16 ft$5,500 – $12,000$120,000 – $260,000$1,400 – $2,400View
IrvineOrange1,200 sq ft500 sq ft4 ft16 ft$8,000 – $18,000$160,000 – $340,000$2,000 – $3,200View
Chula VistaSan Diego1,200 sq ft500 sq ft4 ft16 ft$6,000 – $13,000$140,000 – $300,000$1,600 – $2,700View
FremontAlameda1,200 sq ft500 sq ft4 ft16 ft$10,000 – $20,000$200,000 – $420,000$2,200 – $3,500View
Santa ClaritaLos Angeles1,200 sq ft500 sq ft4 ft16 ft$7,000 – $16,000$150,000 – $320,000$1,700 – $2,800View
San BernardinoSan Bernardino1,200 sq ft500 sq ft4 ft16 ft$4,000 – $10,000$100,000 – $220,000$1,100 – $1,900View
ModestoStanislaus1,200 sq ft500 sq ft4 ft16 ft$3,500 – $8,500$90,000 – $195,000$950 – $1,650View
FontanaSan Bernardino1,200 sq ft500 sq ft4 ft16 ft$4,500 – $10,000$110,000 – $230,000$1,300 – $2,100View
Moreno ValleyRiverside1,200 sq ft500 sq ft4 ft16 ft$4,500 – $10,000$110,000 – $230,000$1,200 – $2,000View
OxnardVentura1,200 sq ft500 sq ft4 ft16 ft$7,000 – $15,000$150,000 – $320,000$1,700 – $2,900View
GlendaleLos Angeles1,200 sq ft500 sq ft4 ft16 ft (hillside overlay may restrict further)$9,000 – $20,000$160,000 – $370,000$1,800 – $3,200View
Huntington BeachOrange1,200 sq ft500 sq ft4 ft16 ft$8,000 – $18,000$175,000 – $380,000$2,000 – $3,400View
OntarioSan Bernardino1,200 sq ft500 sq ft4 ft16 ft$4,500 – $10,500$115,000 – $240,000$1,300 – $2,100View
Elk GroveSacramento1,200 sq ft500 sq ft4 ft16 ft$5,000 – $11,000$120,000 – $260,000$1,300 – $2,100View
Rancho CucamongaSan Bernardino1,200 sq ft500 sq ft4 ft16 ft (detached); 25 ft or match primary if attached$7,000 – $14,000$150,000 – $310,000$1,500 – $2,400/moView
Santa RosaSonoma1,200 sq ft500 sq ft4 ft16 ft$8,000 – $16,000$170,000 – $360,000$1,700 – $2,900View
Garden GroveOrange1,200 sq ft500 sq ft4 ft16 ft (detached); match primary if attached$8,000 – $17,000$160,000 – $330,000$1,700 – $2,700/moView
OceansideSan Diego1,200 sq ft500 sq ft4 ft16 ft (detached); match primary if attached$7,000 – $15,000$160,000 – $330,000$1,800 – $2,800/moView
PalmdaleLos Angeles1,200 sq ft500 sq ft4 ft16 ft (detached); match primary structure height if attached$5,000 – $11,000$130,000 – $270,000$1,200 – $1,900/moView
CoronaRiverside1,200 sq ft500 sq ft4 ft16 ft (detached); match primary structure height if attached$6,000 – $13,000$145,000 – $300,000$1,500 – $2,400/moView
LancasterLos Angeles1,200 sq ft500 sq ft4 ft16 ft (detached); match primary structure if attached$4,500 – $9,500$120,000 – $250,000$1,100 – $1,800/moView
SalinasMonterey1,200 sq ft500 sq ft4 ft16 ft (detached); match primary structure if attached$6,000 – $12,000$155,000 – $310,000$1,600 – $2,500/moView
HaywardAlameda1,200 sq ft500 sq ft4 ft16 ft (detached); match primary structure if attached$9,000 – $18,000$185,000 – $380,000$1,900 – $3,000/moView
PomonaLos Angeles1,200 sq ft500 sq ft4 ft16 ft (detached); match primary structure height if attached$6,000 – $12,000$140,000 – $290,000$1,400 – $2,200/moView
SunnyvaleSanta Clara1,200 sq ft500 sq ft4 ft16 ft (detached); match primary if attached$11,000 – $22,000$220,000 – $430,000$2,400 – $3,800/moView
EscondidoSan Diego1,200 sq ft500 sq ft4 ft16 ft (one story); up to 25 ft if attached or above garage$7,000 – $14,000$155,000 – $320,000$1,600 – $2,600/moView
TorranceLos Angeles1,200 sq ft500 sq ft4 ft16 ft (detached); up to 25 ft if attached or above garage$9,000 – $18,000$175,000 – $360,000$1,900 – $3,000/moView
RosevillePlacer1,200 sq ft500 sq ft4 ft16 ft (detached); up to 25 ft if attached or above garage$6,000 – $12,000$155,000 – $310,000$1,500 – $2,400/moView
FullertonOrange1,200 sq ft500 sq ft4 ft16 ft (detached); up to 25 ft if attached or above garage$8,000 – $16,000$160,000 – $330,000$1,700 – $2,700/moView
OrangeOrange1,200 sq ft500 sq ft4 ft16 ft (detached); up to 25 ft if attached or above garage$8,000 – $17,000$165,000 – $340,000$1,800 – $2,900/moView
VisaliaTulare1,200 sq ft500 sq ft4 ft16 ft (detached); up to 25 ft if attached or above garage$4,000 – $9,000$120,000 – $250,000$1,100 – $1,800/moView
PasadenaLos Angeles1,200 sq ft500 sq ft5 ft16 ft (detached); attached follows primary dwelling height limits$5,000 – $22,000$170,000 – $480,000$1,800 – $4,200View
ConcordContra Costa1,200 sq ft500 sq ft4 ft16 ft (detached); up to 25 ft if attached or above garage$8,000 – $16,000$170,000 – $340,000$1,800 – $2,800/moView
Santa ClaraSanta Clara1,200 sq ft500 sq ft4 ft16 ft (detached); up to 25 ft if attached or above garage$11,000 – $22,000$220,000 – $430,000$2,400 – $3,800/moView
Simi ValleyVentura1,200 sq ft500 sq ft4 ft16 ft (detached); up to 25 ft if attached or above garage$7,000 – $14,000$155,000 – $310,000$1,700 – $2,700/moView
Thousand OaksVentura1,200 sq ft500 sq ft4 ft16 ft (detached); attached follows primary structure height$4,000 – $16,000$150,000 – $400,000$1,600 – $3,500View
VictorvilleSan Bernardino1,200 sq ft500 sq ft4 ft16 ft (detached); up to 25 ft if attached or above garage$4,000 – $8,500$115,000 – $240,000$1,100 – $1,700/moView
VallejoSolano1,200 sq ft500 sq ft4 ft16 ft$6,000 – $12,000$155,000 – $310,000$1,500 – $2,400/moView
BerkeleyAlameda1,200 sq ft500 sq ft4 ft16 ft$12,000 – $25,000$230,000 – $450,000$2,200 – $3,500/moView
ClovisFresno1,200 sq ft500 sq ft4 ft16 ft$4,500 – $9,500$120,000 – $250,000$1,100 – $1,800/moView
FairfieldSolano1,200 sq ft500 sq ft4 ft16 ft$5,500 – $11,000$145,000 – $295,000$1,400 – $2,200/moView
AntiochContra Costa1,200 sq ft500 sq ft4 ft16 ft$7,000 – $13,000$150,000 – $305,000$1,500 – $2,300/moView
CarlsbadSan Diego1,200 sq ft500 sq ft4 ft16 ft$8,000 – $17,000$175,000 – $360,000$2,000 – $3,200/moView
Costa MesaOrange1,200 sq ft500 sq ft4 ft16 ft (detached); 25 ft or height of primary structure if attached$9,000 – $18,000$175,000 – $360,000$2,000 – $3,200/moView
DowneyLos Angeles1,200 sq ft500 sq ft4 ft16 ft$7,000 – $14,000$150,000 – $310,000$1,500 – $2,400/moView
El MonteLos Angeles1,200 sq ft500 sq ft4 ft16 ft$6,500 – $13,000$145,000 – $295,000$1,400 – $2,100/moView
MurrietaRiverside1,200 sq ft500 sq ft4 ft16 ft$6,000 – $12,000$145,000 – $295,000$1,500 – $2,400/moView
RichmondContra Costa1,200 sq ft500 sq ft4 ft16 ft (detached single-story); up to 24 ft with second story where allowed$7,000 – $14,000$160,000 – $330,000$1,600 – $2,600/moView
TemeculaRiverside1,200 sq ft500 sq ft4 ft16 ft$6,500 – $13,000$150,000 – $305,000$1,600 – $2,600/moView
ChicoButte1,200 sq ft500 sq ft4 ft16 ft (detached single-story); 24 ft for two-story where allowed by zone$5,000 – $10,000$130,000 – $265,000$1,200 – $1,900/moView
InglewoodLos Angeles1,200 sq ft500 sq ft4 ft16 ft (detached); up to primary structure height if attached$8,000 – $16,000$160,000 – $330,000$1,700 – $2,800/moView
Jurupa ValleyRiverside1,200 sq ft500 sq ft4 ft16 ft (detached); matches primary structure height limit if attached$5,500 – $11,000$130,000 – $270,000$1,300 – $2,100/moView
VenturaVentura1,200 sq ft500 sq ft4 ft16 ft (detached); up to primary structure height if attached$7,000 – $14,000$160,000 – $325,000$1,700 – $2,700/moView
West CovinaLos Angeles1,200 sq ft500 sq ft4 ft16 ft (detached); up to primary structure height if attached$7,000 – $14,000$150,000 – $305,000$1,500 – $2,400/moView
BurbankLos Angeles1,200 sq ft500 sq ft4 ft16 ft (detached); up to primary structure height if attached$9,000 – $18,000$175,000 – $360,000$1,900 – $3,100/moView
Daly CitySan Mateo1,200 sq ft500 sq ft4 ft16 ft (detached); up to primary structure height if attached$10,000 – $20,000$210,000 – $420,000$2,100 – $3,400/moView
El CajonSan Diego1,200 sq ft500 sq ft4 ft16 ft$6,500 – $13,000$150,000 – $305,000$1,500 – $2,400/moView
NorwalkLos Angeles1,200 sq ft500 sq ft4 ft16 ft (detached); up to primary structure height if attached$7,000 – $14,000$150,000 – $305,000$1,500 – $2,300/moView
RialtoSan Bernardino1,200 sq ft500 sq ft4 ft16 ft$5,000 – $10,500$130,000 – $265,000$1,300 – $2,000/moView
San MateoSan Mateo1,200 sq ft500 sq ft4 ft16 ft$11,000 – $22,000$220,000 – $430,000$2,300 – $3,700/moView
Santa MariaSanta Barbara1,200 sq ft500 sq ft4 ft16 ft$5,000 – $10,000$135,000 – $275,000$1,200 – $2,000/moView
VacavilleSolano1,200 sq ft500 sq ft4 ft16 ft$5,500 – $11,000$140,000 – $285,000$1,400 – $2,200/moView
MenifeeRiverside1,200 sq ft500 sq ft4 ft16 ft$5,500 – $11,000$135,000 – $275,000$1,400 – $2,200/moView
South GateLos Angeles1,200 sq ft500 sq ft4 ft16 ft$7,000 – $14,000$145,000 – $295,000$1,400 – $2,200/moView
TracySan Joaquin1,200 sq ft500 sq ft4 ft16 ft$5,000 – $10,000$130,000 – $265,000$1,400 – $2,200/moView
VistaSan Diego1,200 sq ft500 sq ft4 ft16 ft$6,500 – $13,000$150,000 – $305,000$1,600 – $2,500/moView
ComptonLos Angeles1,200 sq ft500 sq ft4 ft16 ft$7,000 – $13,500$145,000 – $290,000$1,400 – $2,200/moView
Mission ViejoOrange1,200 sq ft500 sq ft4 ft16 ft (detached); may match primary if attached$8,000 – $16,000$165,000 – $335,000$1,800 – $2,900/moView
HesperiaSan Bernardino1,200 sq ft500 sq ft4 ft16 ft$4,000 – $8,500$115,000 – $235,000$1,100 – $1,700/moView
ReddingShasta1,200 sq ft500 sq ft4 ft16 ft$4,500 – $9,000$120,000 – $245,000$1,100 – $1,800/moView
Santa BarbaraSanta Barbara1,200 sq ft500 sq ft4 ft16 ft (detached); higher if attached and matching primary)$10,000 – $20,000$200,000 – $400,000$2,200 – $3,500/moView
Santa MonicaLos Angeles1,200 sq ft500 sq ft5 ft (Santa Monica standard; state minimum is 4 ft)16 ft (detached single-story); attached must not exceed primary dwelling height$6,000 – $28,000$200,000 – $600,000$2,500 – $6,000View
Citrus HeightsSacramento1,200 sq ft500 sq ft4 ft16 ft$5,500 – $11,000$140,000 – $285,000$1,300 – $2,100/moView
LivermoreAlameda1,200 sq ft500 sq ft4 ft16 ft$9,000 – $18,000$180,000 – $365,000$1,900 – $3,000/moView
San LeandroAlameda1,200 sq ft500 sq ft4 ft16 ft (detached); up to 18 ft if within half-mile of major transit stop$9,000 – $18,000$175,000 – $360,000$1,800 – $2,900/moView
WestminsterOrange1,200 sq ft500 sq ft4 ft16 ft$8,000 – $16,000$165,000 – $335,000$1,700 – $2,700/moView
HawthorneLos Angeles1,200 sq ft500 sq ft4 ft16 ft$8,000 – $16,000$160,000 – $330,000$1,700 – $2,800/moView
WhittierLos Angeles1,200 sq ft500 sq ft4 ft16 ft$7,500 – $15,000$155,000 – $315,000$1,600 – $2,500/moView
AlhambraLos Angeles1,200 sq ft500 sq ft4 ft16 ft$7,500 – $15,000$155,000 – $315,000$1,600 – $2,600/moView
HemetRiverside1,200 sq ft500 sq ft4 ft16 ft$4,000 – $8,000$110,000 – $225,000$1,000 – $1,600/moView
Lake ForestOrange1,200 sq ft500 sq ft4 ft16 ft$8,000 – $16,000$165,000 – $335,000$1,800 – $2,900/moView
Newport BeachOrange1,200 sq ft500 sq ft4 ft16 ft$10,000 – $20,000$200,000 – $410,000$2,500 – $4,000/moView
NapaNapa1,200 sq ft500 sq ft4 ft16 ft$8,000 – $16,000$175,000 – $355,000$1,800 – $2,900/moView
LodiSan Joaquin1,200 sq ft500 sq ft4 ft16 ft$4,500 – $9,000$120,000 – $245,000$1,100 – $1,700/moView
Santa CruzSanta Cruz1,200 sq ft500 sq ft4 ft16 ft$9,000 – $18,000$195,000 – $395,000$1,900 – $3,100/moView
PetalumaSonoma1,200 sq ft500 sq ft4 ft16 ft$7,000 – $14,000$165,000 – $330,000$1,700 – $2,700/moView
San Luis ObispoSan Luis Obispo1,200 sq ft500 sq ft4 ft16 ft$7,000 – $14,000$170,000 – $345,000$1,700 – $2,700/moView
Palm SpringsRiverside1,200 sq ft500 sq ft4 ft16 ft$6,000 – $12,000$155,000 – $315,000$1,500 – $2,500/mo (long-term)View

State Minimum

1,200 sq ft

California law prohibits cities from capping detached ADUs below 1,200 sq ft on lots over 6,000 sq ft.

Impact Fee Waiver

Under 750 sq ft

State law waives impact fees for ADUs under 750 sq ft — saving $5,000–$30,000 in high-fee cities.

Permit Timeline

60-day max

State law requires cities to process ministerial ADU applications within 60 days of a complete submission.

ADU Comparison Questions Answered

Which California city allows the largest ADU?

State law prohibits California cities from capping detached ADUs below 1,200 sq ft on lots over 6,000 sq ft. Most cities allow up to 1,200 sq ft. Some may allow larger when calculating ADU size as a percentage of the primary home. Use the table above to compare city-by-city maximums.

Which California cities have the lowest ADU permit fees?

Smaller inland cities generally have lower permit fee ranges than coastal metros. The table is sortable by Permit Fees — click the column header to rank from lowest to highest and identify the most affordable cities for permitting.

Do all California cities require owner-occupancy for ADUs?

No. State law suspended owner-occupancy requirements through 2025 and many cities have permanently removed them. Check each city's individual regulation page for the current status.

How do setback requirements compare across California cities?

State law requires cities to allow at minimum 4 ft side and rear setbacks for new ADUs. Some cities allow less when converting existing structures (e.g., a garage that is already closer to the property line). Sort the table by Rear Setback to compare.

Which California cities are best for ADU rental income?

Coastal cities like Santa Monica, San Francisco, and Los Angeles command the highest monthly rents — often $2,500–$4,500/mo — but also carry the highest build costs. Inland cities like Sacramento and Fresno offer lower build costs with solid rental demand, often delivering faster payback periods.

Report

State of ADU in California 2026

Aggregated stats and trends across all 100 cities.

Index

California ADU Cost Index 2026

Build cost ranges ranked and broken down by county.

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