Overview
Bakersfield is located in Kern County in California. Bakersfield has a total
population of 347483 over a land mass of 142.16 Square Miles. When it comes to
ADUs, the city allows for 1+ ADUs on a given property, and a square footage of
850-1,000 sf
Types of ADUs Allowed
Detached, Junior, Attached
Number of ADUs allowed
Under state law, each single-family home may now add at least one Accessory
Dwelling Unit. Owner occupied single-family lots may add one Accessory Dwelling
Unit and one Junior Accessort Dwelling Unit (JADU). Multi-family lots, per every
four existing residential units, may add one Accessory Dwelling Unit, so long as
the existing units were legally established.
Property Requirements
Single-family and multi-family Lots will be allowed to build up to 850 sq.ft.
for a one bed ADU or up to 1,000 sq.ft. for a two bed ADU, regardless of the
underlying zoning standards of the property. A JADU up to 500 sq.ft. is allowed.
The minimum size of any living unit (including Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)s
and JADUs) is 150 sq.ft. according to Califronia Residential Code. ~ AB-68
Types of ADUs Allowed
Attached ADU
An attached ADU is one that is attached to your house. Also know as Addition ADUs or “bump-out ADUs. These types of ADUs can be accessed from the primary house with a door in the connection point, but also can be independent of the main home.
Detached ADU
A detached ADU is not connected to your primary house. The dwelling needs to be within your property setbacks and allowable building size (both height and square footage).
Junior ADU
Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADUs) are named this way because they are small (up to 500 square feet).
In California, the recent state bills
AB68 and
AB 881 permits both an ADU and a Junior ADU (JADU) on the same lot with a proposed or existing single-family dwelling. This means you can have two units on your lot: ADU, and JADU.
Property Requirements
Ownership
Owner-occupancy will not be required for new Accessory Dwelling Units
(conversion and new construction) built between 2020 and 2025. ~ According To
SB13
Number of ADUs Allowed
Under state law, each single-family home may now add at least one Accessory
Dwelling Unit. Owner occupied single-family lots may add one Accessory Dwelling
Unit and one Junior Accessort Dwelling Unit (JADU). Multi-family lots, per every
four existing residential units, may add one Accessory Dwelling Unit, so long as
the existing units were legally established.
ADU Size
Single family and multi-family residential parcels will not be subject to the
minimum lot size of the underlying zoning district or by ordinance for Accessory
Dwelling Unit projects. ~ AB68 & AB881 Update
Parking
Replacement parking shall not apply to properties which convert an existing
garage to an Accessory Dwelling Unit or Junior ADU. ~ AB-68
Height
The maximum height of the ADU is determined by the maximum height allowed by the
underlying zone.
Fire Safety
Fire sprinklers will not be required for the ADU unless they are required for
the primary dwelling.
Utility Connections
Local health officer approval where a private sewage disposal system is being
used, if required. (State requirements)
Aesthetic
The ADU shall be architecturally compatible with the main unit. Architectural
compatibility shall mean that the exterior building materials and architecture
of the ADU shall be the same as the materials used in the primary dwelling.
Set backs
The maximum required setback for a detached new construction ADU shall be no
more than 4 ft. from the rear and side property lines. Setbacks will not be
required for ADUs and JADUs converted from existing space that was legally
eastablished. Attached ADUs and conversions from existing space to be expanded
will be required to comply with the setbacks of the underlying zone. ~ AB68 &
AB881 Update
Design Review
A request for approval of an ADU shall be made by submitting a site plan review
application to the city. The request shall be made by the owner occupant of the
dwelling on the lot upon which the accessory dwelling unit will be constructed.
Projects shall comply with all the requirements of Section 17.65.020 and the
conditions of approval placed on the project through site plan review. (Ord.
3613 § 2, 1994). Architectural compatibility will be evaluated during site plan
review. No person shall construct or cause to be constructed any ADU without
having first complied with the provisions of site plan review as provided in
Chapter 17.08. (Ord. 3835 § 39, 1998; Ord. 3613 § 2, 1994)
Next Steps
To get started on your ADU, here are some first steps.
Call Your City
Search Google for your city’s contact number. eg “City of {Phoenix} Residential Permits Contact Number”
You can call the main line and get directed to the permitting department.
Ask these questions...
1) Can I put a secondary home on my lot (Accessory Dwelling Unit)?
2) What are my livable setbacks, and ADU size regulations?
3) Can I put a prefabricated guest house on my property?
.webp)
.webp)
-(1).webp)
