ADUByCity
Verified March 14, 2026

ADU Regulations in Huntington Beach, California

Orange County · CA · Pop. 200,000

Max ADU Size

1,200

sq ft detached

Rear Setback

4 ft

Permit Timeline

60 days for non-coastal

Build Cost

$175,000 – $380,000

Zoning

Allowed ADU Types

✓Detached ADU
✓Attached ADU
✓JADU (Junior ADU)
✓Garage Conversion
Max per lot: 2 ADUs✓ No owner-occupancy required

Coastal Zone properties require additional Coastal Development Permit review

Source: City of Huntington Beach — Accessory Dwelling Units · Huntington Beach Zoning & Subdivision Ordinance Section 230.22

Dimensions

Size & Setback Requirements

Detached

1,200

sq ft max

JADU

500

sq ft max

Attached

50% of primary home, max 1,200 sq ft

Setbacks

front

Same as primary dwelling

side

4 ft

rear

4 ft

Max height: 16 ft

Lot coverage: Per zone; Coastal Zone has additional restrictions

Most of HB is in the Coastal Zone — factor in CDP process for coastal properties

Permitting

Permit Process

Department

Huntington Beach Community Development Department

Review Timeline

60 days for non-coastal; coastal review adds time

Permit Fees

$8,000 – $18,000

Impact Fees

Impact fees waived under 750 sq ft

Required Documents

  • ›Site plan
  • ›Floor plans
  • ›Elevations
  • ›Title 24 energy compliance
  • ›Coastal Development Permit application (coastal zone only)
  • ›Structural drawings

Coastal permits add 2–4 months in some cases; check your parcel first

Visit Huntington Beach Community Development Department →

Infrastructure

Utilities & Requirements

Solar

Required

Parking

Not required

Separate Meter

Optional

Fire Sprinklers

See note

Sewer: Orange County Sanitation District; connect to existing lateral
Fire Sprinklers: Not required unless primary structure requires them
Parking: No additional parking required near transit or for garage conversions

Financials

ADU Costs in Huntington Beach

Typical Build Cost

$175,000 – $380,000

Cost per Sq Ft

$240 – $330

Monthly Rental

$2,000 – $3,400/mo

Property Value Added

Adds $200,000 – $380,000 to property value

Available Grants & Programs

  • ★CalHFA ADU Grant Program available

Coastal premium drives strong rental income and property value appreciation

Use the free ADU Cost Calculator →

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Disclaimer: Information is compiled from publicly available municipal codes for general informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal, zoning, or construction advice. Regulations change frequently. Always verify with your local planning department. Last verified: March 14, 2026. Verify with Huntington Beach Community Development Department

Explore More

Nearby Cities in Orange County

Anaheim

Max 1,200 sq ft · $140,000 – $300,000

Santa Ana

Max 1,200 sq ft · $120,000 – $260,000

Irvine

Max 1,200 sq ft · $160,000 – $340,000

Garden Grove

Max 1,200 sq ft · $160,000 – $330,000

Fullerton

Max 1,200 sq ft · $160,000 – $330,000

Orange

Max 1,200 sq ft · $165,000 – $340,000

Huntington Beach Quick Facts

  • Max size1,200 sq ft
  • Rear setback4 ft
  • Permit timeline60 days for non-coastal
  • Build cost$175,000 – $380,000
  • Rental income$2,000 – $3,400/mo
  • Owner occupancyNot required

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Official Source

City of Huntington Beach — Accessory Dwelling Units

Huntington Beach Zoning & Subdivision Ordinance Section 230.22

Last verified: March 14, 2026

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ADU rules change often.

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