An Accessory Dwelling Unit, or ADU, is a secondary dwelling unit on the same site as an owner-occupied primary single-family dwelling. It must have capacity to function as a full-time residence and be equipped with a kitchen, a bathroom, and it's own entrance.

An ADU may be attached to the primary dwelling, or it may be detached. It can be in an existing converted structure such as a garage or shed, or it can be in a new structure. It can be above a garage or in a basement. It may be a manufactured home, but it may not be a camper. Each of these examples has it's own set of standards that it must comply with in order to obtain a building permit.

You must obtain a building permit to build an ADU or to convert an existing structure into an ADU. Your permit application will be subject to review by the planning department to ensure it is compliant with the regulations set forth by the ordinance. If your application is denied for incompleteness, you may re-apply at any time. If it is denied for non-compliance, planning staff will explain what needs to be done to reach compliance. Permitting and development impact fees will.

To speak to a planner about ADU requirements, call 707-449-5140.

The following chart outlines some but not all of the standards set forth by the ordinance. For full details please see Chapter 14.09.122 of the development code.