Accessory Dwelling Units

California Government Code Section 65852.2 allows property owners to establish accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and junior accessory dwelling units (JADUs) on building sites zoned for single-family or multifamily residential purposes.

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An accessory dwelling unit (ADU) is a dwelling unit that provides complete independent living facilities for one (1) or more persons that is located on a parcel with another primary, single-family dwelling or multifamily dwelling. The ADU must include permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation. In single-family residential districts, an ADU may be constructed within the same structure as the primary unit (livable or non-livable space), in an attached structure, or in a separate structure on the same parcel. In multifamily residential districts, an ADU may be constructed in existing non-livable space or detached from the primary dwelling.  

A junior accessory dwelling unit (JADU) is a dwelling unit that is no more than five hundred (500) square feet in size and is contained entirely within an existing or proposed single-family dwelling unit, or within an existing or proposed accessory dwelling unit. A junior accessory dwelling unit shall include an efficiency kitchen (sink, cooking appliances, food preparation counter, and storage cabinets) and may include separate sanitation facilities, or may share sanitation facilities with the existing structure.

Resources

• Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) for Single-Family and Multifamily
• Building Permit & Plan Check Process
• Orange County Zoning Code Section 7-9-90 Accessory dwelling units (ADU) and junior accessory dwelling units (JADU)
• Pre-Approved Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Plans
• AB 2533 Safe ADU/JADU Legalization Program
• HCD ADU Handbook
• To apply, please visit https://myoceservices.ocgov.com/.
• Questions? Please contact us at planning@pw.oc.gov.  
   

Frequently Asked Questions

•  How do I submit an application?

 To apply, please visit https://myoceservices.ocgov.com/ and sign in or create an account. Then, complete the following steps:

1. Click “Apply for…”
2. Click “Permit Applications”
3. Step 1: Select “Private Property Permits”
4. Step 2: Select “Residential Building Permits”
5. Step 3:
   a. If you are using the Pre-Approved Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Plans, select “Accessory Dwelling Unit (Standard)”
   b. Otherwise, select “Accessory Dwelling Unit (Custom)”
6. Click “Start Application”
    

• How many ADUs am I allowed to build?

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In single-family residential districts, one ADU constructed from existing space, one JADU, and one newly constructed detached ADU may be allowed for a total of up to 3 ADUs. 
In multifamily residential districts, the maximum allowed accessory dwelling units established from converted areas of the multifamily residential structure(s) is up to 25% of the number of existing multifamily units with a minimum of 1. Additionally, up to 8 detached ADUs are allowed on a lot with an existing multifamily residential structure, not to exceed the number of existing units on the lot. Up to 2 detached ADUs are allowed on a lot that has a proposed multifamily dwelling. 
 

•  Do I need to submit an entitlement application  prior to a building permit application?
  No. ADU/JADU applications are processed ministerially and only require a building permit.