Accessory Dwelling Unit - ADU

ADU Plan

What is an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)? 

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are defined as complete independent dwelling units that have permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation located on the same property as a single-family home. ADUs are also known as second dwelling units, in-law units, granny flats, and/or mother-in-law quarters. ADUs may either be attached or detached from the primary home and/or include a conversion of existing legal space on the property.

What is a Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit (JADU)?

Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADUs) are semi-independent dwelling units no larger than 500 square-feet within a portion of an existing single-family home such as a garage, great room, home office, etc. JADUs include a bedroom, a food preparation area and storage cabinets, and may include a separate bathroom. JADUs also require a separate exterior entrance and a potential internal connection with the remainder of the home.

Why are ADUs/ JADUs important to Yuba City? 

ADUs/ JADUs provide housing opportunities in a flexible manner to address the unmet demand for affordable housing for the Yuba City Community, including but not limited to, military, young professionals, small families, disabled individuals, senior citizens, etc. while also assisting homeowners to offset the cost of home-ownership and maintenance, by renting out ADUs as an additional source of income.

I am interested in building an ADU/ JADU on my property. Where should I start? 

Homeowners, property owners, and design professionals interested in constructing an ADU/JADU on a property should familiarize themselves with the ADU regulations of State law, the City's ADU Zoning Regulations, and the guided steps provided.

In addition, you may contact the Planning Division at 530-822-4629 or [email protected] if you have any questions.

Pool ADU


ADU Backyard




Expand/Collapse All

What are the basic requirements of an ADU?

Answer: ADUs are defined as complete independent dwelling units that have permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation located on the same property as a single-family home. Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are also known as second dwelling units, in-law units, granny flats, and/or mother-in-law quarters.  ADUs may either be attached or detached from the primary home and/or include a conversion of existing legal space on the property. 
  1.  ADUs require a separate exterior entrance. 
  2.  ADUs require a kitchen.
    1. Kitchen Sink
    2. Food Preparation Counters
    3. Food Storage Cabinets
    4. Refrigerator
    5. Stove Top or Range Oven
  3. ADUs require a sanitation facility (bathroom).
    1. Bathroom Sink
    2. Toilet
    3. Shower or Shower/Tub
  4. ADUs should match or complement the architectural style of the primary dwelling.

Planning to build an ADU on a multi-family lot?

Answer: 
  • A multi-family lot may have up to two detached ADUs that are under 800 square feet, have side and rear setbacks of at least 4 feet and are under 16-feet to the peak or portions that are not used as livable space may be converted to livable space (ADU) if the unit meets fire/life safety and building code standards.
  • Contact Planning or reference the City of Yuba City ADU Ordinance for more information on ADUs located on multi-unit development sites.

Planning to build an ADU in a historic district?

Answer: An ADU to be constructed on a lot that has an identified historical resource listed on the federal, state, or local register of historic places must comply with all applicable ministerial requirements imposed by the Secretary of Interior.

Where can I build an ADU?

Answer: ADUs are permitted in all zones that allow for single-family or multifamily residential use. ADUs may be constructed on any lot with an existing primary dwelling or at the same time a primary dwelling is being constructed.

  • This includes Corridor Mixed Use districts that allow for residential use.

Need more ideas?

Answer:  Visit Symbium, a free to use website that allows user to browse designs and visualize size and placement on their property.

Can I rent out my ADU?

Answer: 
  • Yes, you can rent your ADU but it must be for a period of 30 days or longer.
  • Currently, there are provisions from the state legislature that ADUs cannot be rented for a period of time less than 30 days. 
  • Airbnb may not be possible if it is for periods shorter than 30 days. 
  • For information on becoming a landlord visit Landlord Resources.
  • The State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) has asked local agencies to obtain information about ADUs including whether they are or will be rented, and if so, what is the anticipated or actual rent that is charged for any units that are rented. The city will request this information prior to approving a building permit or may send you a survey in the future.

Do I need to live in the primary dwelling unit or ADU?

Answer: 
  • If your ADU was built after Jan 1st 2020 and before Jan 1st 2025, you do not need to live in the primary dwelling unit or the ADU.
  • ADUs built before of after this period are subject to owner occupancy requirements, requiring you to live in either the primary dwelling or ADU.
  • All JADUs have owner occupancy requirements, check JADU page for more information.

Can an ADU be sold separately from the primary dwelling?

Answer: 
  • ADUs cannot be sold separately from the primary dwelling unit, they would no longer be considered accessory to primary building.
  • Prior to a building permit being issued, a deed restriction must be filed.

Will the ADU need a separate address?

Answer: Generally, a new ADU will be provided with an address designation using a ½ to indicate that this is accessory to the primary address. As example, if the primary dwelling is 300, the ADU will be 300 ½.