Overview
Riverside is located in Riverside County in California. Riverside has a total
population of 303871 over a land mass of 81.14 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
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU). Additionally, single-family lots which are
owner-occupied may create one Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) and one Junior
Accessort Dwelling Unit (JADU). 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 properties will be approved to build up to 850 sqft for a one bed
ADU or up to 1,000 sqft for a two bed ADU, regardless of the underlying zoning
standards of the property. A JADU is approved up to 500 sqft. According to
Califronia Residential Code, the minimum size of any living unit is 150 sqft
(including Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)s and JADUs). ~ Updated: State Law 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
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) ~ SB-13
Number of ADUs Allowed
According to state law, all single-family homes are allowed at least one
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU). Additionally, single-family lots which are
owner-occupied may create one Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) and one Junior
Accessort Dwelling Unit (JADU). 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 properties will not be subject to any minimum lot size for Accessory
Dwelling Unit (ADU)s by ordinance or of the underlying zoning district. ~
Updated: State Law AB-68
Parking
Replacement parking shall not apply to properties which convert an existing
garage to an ADU or Junior Accessort Dwelling Unit (JADU). ~ AB68
Height
Height Limitation: 1.) Detached accessory dwelling unit height shall be limited
to a single-story, 20-foot-high building, maximum. 2.) Attached accessory
dwelling unit height shall comply with the underlying zone.
Fire Safety
Fire sprinklers are not required for the ADU unless they are also required for
the primary unit.
Utility Connections
Local health officer approval where a private sewage disposal system is being
used, if required. (State requirements)
Aesthetic
ADU Design: No exterior stairways may be located on the side of the structure
facing a public right-of way, except for alleyways.
Set backs
Setbacks for a detached new construction Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) shall be
no more than 4 ft from the rear and side lot lines. No setbacks shall be
required for Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)s and JADUs converted from legally
eastablished existing space. Attached new construction Accessory Dwelling Unit
(ADU)s and conversions from existing space to be expanded must comply with the
setbacks of the underlying zone. ~ AB68 & AB881 Update
Design Review
ADUs will be reviewed in a Ministerial process, without discretion, and will be
approved or denied within 120 days of application, according to state law.
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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