Overview
Huntington Beach is located in Orange County in California. Huntington Beach has
a total population of 189992 over a land mass of 26.75 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
According to state law, all single-family homes are allowed at least one ADU.
Additionally, single-family lots which are owner-occupied may create one ADU and
one Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit. Also, multi-family lots may now add one ADU
per every four existing residential units, so long as they were legally
established.
Property Requirements
Residential parcels will be approved to construct 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 Junior ADU is approved up to 500 sq. ft..
According to Califronia Residential Code, the minimum size of any living unit is
150 sq. ft. (including Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)s and Junior ADUs). ~ AB68 &
AB881 Update
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
Between between 2020 and 2025, owner occupancy requirements will not apply to
new Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)s. (applicable to new construction and
conversion units) ~ SB13 Update
Number of ADUs Allowed
According to state law, all single-family homes are allowed at least one ADU.
Additionally, single-family lots which are owner-occupied may create one ADU and
one Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit. Also, multi-family lots may now add one ADU
per every four existing residential units, so long as they were legally
established.
ADU Size
Residential parcels will not be subject to any minimum lot size for Accessory
Dwelling Units by ordinance or of the underlying zoning district. ~ Updated:
State Law AB-68
Parking
Replacement parking shall not apply to lots which convert an existing garage to
an Accessory Dwelling Unit or Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit. ~ Updated: State
Law AB-68
Height
Newly constructed ADU’s designed as accessory structures (detached buildings
from primary dwelling or above or attached to an existing detached garage) shall
comply with the location, height and separation requirements of Code Section
230.08. The maximum height of an accessory structure is 15 feet.
Fire Safety
Fire sprinklers are not 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
Building materials, colors, and exterior finishes must be substantially the same
as those on the existing dwelling.
Set backs
Setbacks for a detached new construction Accessory Dwelling Unit shall be no
more than 4 ft. from the rear and side lot lines. No setbacks shall be required
for Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Accessort Dwelling Unit (JADU)s
converted from legally eastablished existing space. Attached new construction
Accessory Dwelling Units and conversions from existing space to be expanded must
comply with the setbacks of the underlying zone. ~ According To AB68
Design Review
Ministerial review process is required by state law. The steps for permit the
ADU with the city are -- 1.) Visit the Zoning Counter to discuss your request.
During this session, a planner will discuss the applicable State law
requirements so that you can prepare your plans. 2.) Submit plans at the Zoning
Counter. A planner will take them in to review for compliance with State law and
get back to you within a week. 3.) Once your plans have been checked and are
ready for approval, you can pick them up from Planning and submit to the
Building Division for a building permit. Payment of applicable development
impact fees is required at the time of permit issuance.
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?
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