Accessory and junior accessory dwelling units

Statewide ADU rights — one ADU and one JADU on virtually every single-family lot, ministerial.

In plain English

What it actually does.

California's ADU statute remains the foundation of every density strategy. One ADU and one JADU per single-family lot, with objective standards, generous setback reductions, and ministerial approval. Pairs with SB-9 for compounding density.

How it applies

On the ground, by city.

01 / City

Los Angeles

Pre-approved plan program available.

02 / City

Newport Beach

Coastal parcels require additional review.

03 / City

Beverly Hills

Objective design standards apply.

Keep reading

Other laws in the playbook.

SB-9

Single-family lot split + duplex

Splits an R-1 lot in two and allows up to two units on each new lot. Ministerial approval, no public hearing.

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SB-684

Small-home subdivisions on multi-family lots

Up to ten detached small homes on a multi-family-zoned lot, ministerial approval, no discretionary review.

Read →

SB-1211

Detached ADUs on multi-family parcels

Allows up to eight detached ADUs on existing multi-family properties — a dramatic expansion over prior limits.

Read →

Run the numbers

See what ADU/JADU unlocks on your lot.

Drop in your address, lot size, and zoning. The calculator returns a unit count, the pathway, and the warnings worth knowing.

Open the lot calculator