Overview
Irvine is located in Orange County in California. Irvine has a total population
of 212375 over a land mass of 66.11 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 create at least one Accessory
Dwelling Unit. Owner occupied single-family properties may create one Accessory
Dwelling Unit and one Junior Accessort Dwelling Unit (JADU). Multi-family
properties, per every four existing residential units, may create one Accessory
Dwelling Unit, so long as the existing units were legally established.
Property Requirements
Single-family and multi-family Parcels will be permitted to create up to 850
square feet for a one bedroom ADU or up to 1,000 square feet for a two bedroom
ADU, regardless of the underlying zoning standards of the property. A Junior
Accessort Dwelling Unit (JADU) up to 500 square feet is permitted. The minimum
size of any living unit (including Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Accessort
Dwelling Unit (JADU)s) is 150 square feet 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 ADUs (conversion and new
construction) built between 2020 and 2025. ~ SB13
Number of ADUs Allowed
Under state law, each single-family home may now create at least one Accessory
Dwelling Unit. Owner occupied single-family properties may create one Accessory
Dwelling Unit and one Junior Accessort Dwelling Unit (JADU). Multi-family
properties, per every four existing residential units, may create 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 ADU
projects. ~ AB68 & AB881 Update
Parking
Replacement parking shall not apply to lots which convert an existing garage to
an Accessory Dwelling Unit or Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit. ~ According To
AB68
Height
State Standards don't specify height restrictions.
Fire Safety
Accessory dwelling units shall not be required to provide fire sprinklers if
they are not required for the primary residence and may employ alternative
methods for fire protection. (State requirements)
Utility Connections
Local health officer approval where a private sewage disposal system is being
used, if required. (State requirements)
Aesthetic
State Standards don't specify design restrictions.
Set backs
The maximum required setback for a detached new construction Accessory Dwelling
Unit shall be no more than 4 ft. from the rear and side property lines. Setbacks
will not be required for Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Accessort Dwelling
Unit (JADU)s converted from existing space that was legally eastablished.
Attached Accessory Dwelling Units and conversions from existing space to be
expanded will be required to comply with the setbacks of the underlying zone. ~
According To AB68
Design Review
State Standards don't require any additional design review.
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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