An ADU is a complete, independent living space on your property—a separate unit with its own kitchen, bathroom, living area, and entrance. It could be a converted garage, a new structure in your backyard, an addition above your garage, or even a remodeled space within your existing home. Think of it as a small apartment on your property, completely self-contained but sharing the same lot as your main house.
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For decades, building an ADU in California was difficult—expensive permit fees, restrictive regulations, and uncertain approval processes made it impractical for most homeowners. That changed dramatically starting in 2017 with a series of state laws that revolutionized ADU development.
Now, if your property meets basic standards, your city must allow you to build an ADU. It’s a ministerial approval process, meaning there’s no subjective review, no planning commission hearings, and no neighbors blocking your project. You have a right to build, and that changes everything.
Understanding your options helps you see what’s possible on your property.
