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Accessory Dwelling Units

An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU), also known as a "Secondary Dwelling unit", a "Granny unit", or an "In-Law Unit", attached or detached, on a single lot of record, is allowed where single-family or multi-family dwellings are a permitted land use. The City also allows the development of a Junior ADU (JADU), which is constructed within the walls of the proposed or existing single-family residence. JADUs are required to have a separate entrance and an "efficiency kitchen" but can share a bathroom with the main home. ADUs and JADUs are subject to the development standards and requirements found in Chapter 17.32 of the Municipal Code. 

Path to a Completed ADU

Fault Hazards and ADUs

Some parts of the City are affected by the Calaveras Fault. If your property is located within the fault zone, your ability to construct an ADU may be affected. To find out if your property is affected by the fault, please visit the California Department of Conservation website.

The Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Act (Alquist-Priolo Act) regulates construction within seismic fault zones in order to protect the public and reduce losses as a result of earthquake fault rupture. Certain construction, including ADUs that propose conversion of existing space (such as a garage or detached accessory structure), or ADUs on multifamily properties with greater than four units, may require a seismic analysis to be prepared by a licensed geologist in order to determine whether the site is cleared for construction prior to an ADU being approved.

New Accessory Dwelling-Submittal Requirements
Building Permit Application 

Planning Documents
Accessory Dwelling Unit Application Multifamily
Accessory Dwelling Unit Application Single Family
Accessory Dwelling Unit Submittal Checklist
ADU Deed Restriction
ADU Guidelines
JADU Deed Restriction 
Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit Application