ADU/JADU
Accessory Dwelling Unit
An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is an additional or independent living facility required to provide provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation. It can be detached (separated from primary residence) or attached (sharing walls(s) with the primary residence). An existing space such as a garage, storage building, or an attached room can be re-purposed as an ADU. ADUs are subject to separate life, safety, and fire hazard regulations from the main dwelling.
Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit
A Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit (JADU) is a separate living facility within an existing single or multi-family dwelling that has its own entrance and cooking facilities but not necessarily required to have its own private bathroom. A sink can be installed but the sanitation facilities can be shared with the primary structure. Unlike ADUs, JADUs are considered part of the main structure and not considered a separate unit for life, safety, and fire hazard regulations. As such, a soundproof fire rated wall separating it from the main dwelling is not required.
What type of ADU are you looking for?
Steps
ADU/JADU
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STEP 1
Screen Permit Application Package for CompletenessSubmit a complete set of Architectural Plans, Structural Plans, and T-24 Energy Calculations. Regional Planning approved plans may be submitted, or a waiver form for unapproved Regional Planning plans shall be signed.
Building Code plan check are processed at the local Building and Safety District Office or online via EPIC-LA (for unincorporated areas) or BSOP Web Application (for contract cities).
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STEP 2
The plan check engineer provides the applicant an agency referral sheet of County, State, federal or other agencies, from whom the applicant will need to obtain approval prior to permit issuance.
Agency Referral Sheet Given to Applicant -
STEP 3
The plan check engineer reviews all documents for compliance with the Code and when necessary, corrections are noted on plans and correction sheet. Applicant notified plans ready for pick up..
Plans and Specifications Reviewed -
STEP 4
Applicant makes noted corrections and resubmits plans.
Plans Picked up, Corrected, and Resubmitted -
STEP 5
Repeat Steps 4 & 5 as needed for approval.
Plan Rechecked and Approved -
STEP 6
Applicant submits approvals from all agencies listed on the Agency Referral Sheet. Regional Planning approval must be obtained at this point.
Agency Approvals Submitted -
STEP 7
Project Ready for Permit Issuance -
STEP 8
Visit our Inspection website for more information.
Start of Construction and Inspection
Tell me about ADU/JADU
Differences between ADU and JADU?
Requirements | ADU | JADU |
---|---|---|
Maximum Size | 1200 SF | 500 SF |
Kitchen or Kitchenette? | YES | YES |
Bathroom | YES | NO |
Separate Entrace? | YES | YES, door leading to the exterior |
Fire Related Wall to Main Structure? | Detached - minimum 6ft. away Attached - YES |
NO |
Independent Sale Allowed? | NO | NO |
Owner Occupancy? | NO | YES, on primary dwelling |
What are the minimum submittal requirements?
- Complete Architectural plans (Site Plan, Floor/Roof Plans, and Elevation Views)
- Structural Plans (Foundation Plan, Framing Plan, and Structural Calculations, if required)
- Title 24 Energy Sheets/Calculations
See our Minimum Plan Submittal Requirements for ADU/JADU for additional information.