Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) on Single-Family Residential Lots

Number of Accessory Dwelling Units Allowed

On a lot with a proposed or existing single-family residence, you are generally permitted to have up to two accessory units, provided they are of specific types:

• Standard Allowance: Generally, no more than one (1) attached or detached Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is permitted on a single-family lot [§ 17.72.026(B)(1)].
• ADU + JADU Combination: Notwithstanding the standard allowance, a lot with a single-family residence is permitted to have one (1) Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit (JADU) and one (1) detached ADU [§ 17.72.026(B)(1)(a) and § 17.72.027(A)(1)(b)].

To qualify for this combination under the exemption standards, the detached ADU must be a new unit up to 800 square feet, no more than 16 feet high, and have minimum four-foot side and rear setbacks. The JADU must be built within the existing or proposed primary dwelling [§ 17.72.027(A)(1)(b)].

Owner-Occupancy Requirements

The requirement to live on the property depends on the type of unit you build and when it is permitted.

Standard Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)

• Before January 1, 2025: The City cannot impose an owner-occupancy requirement on any newly permitted ADU on a single-family lot [§ 17.72.026(F)].
• After January 1, 2025: The prohibition on owner-occupancy requirements expires. Unless otherwise prohibited by state law, the property owner will be required to occupy one of the units on the property (either the primary residence or the ADU). The City will require the property owner to file a deed restriction to create a perpetual notice of this owner-occupancy requirement for future purchasers [§ 17.72.026(F)].

Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADUs)

• Owner-Occupancy is Required: The owner of a parcel with a JADU must occupy either the primary dwelling or the JADU as their primary residence [§ 17.72.029(C)].
• Exceptions: Owner-occupancy for a JADU is not required if the property owner is a governmental agency, land trust, or housing organization [§ 17.72.029(C)].
• Deed Restriction: Prior to the issuance of a building permit for a JADU, the owner must record a deed restriction that enforces this owner-occupancy requirement, prohibits short-term rentals (less than 30 days), and prohibits the separate sale of the JADU from the single-family residence [§ 17.72.029(J)].