Berkeley California ADU Friendly Requirements

Adu Regulations In Berkeley

Berkeley allows ADUs on all properties zoned residential, including single-family and multi-family [1]. There are no minimum lot size requirements [1].

The maximum size for ADUs is:

- Junior ADUs: 500 square feet

- Studio or 1-bedroom ADUs: 850 square feet

- 2+ bedroom ADUs: 1,000 square feet [1][2]

The maximum height for freestanding ADUs is 20 feet, while attached ADUs can be up to 25 feettall [1][2].

A minimum distance of 4 feet is required from the rear and side property lines [1][2]. No additional parking spaces are required for ADUs [1][2].

No owner occupancy is required for ADUs approved between January 1, 2020 and January 1, 2025 [1][2]. Long-term rentals are permitted, but short-term rentals (less than 30 days) are prohibited [1][2].

Berkeley Pre-Approved ADU Program

Berkeley offers a Pre-Approved Accessory Dwelling Unit Program that provides pre-approved building plans for ADUs [1]. This program aims to expedite the building permit process and reduce pre-construction fees [1].

Financial incentives

Berkeley offers financial incentives to encourage the development of ADUs:

- Environmental impact fees are waived for ADUs under 750 square feet [1][2].

- Utility fees may apply, but are proportionate to the burden the ADU places on existing utilities [1][2].

Current Developments

In 2022, a total of 161 ADUs were approved in Berkeley, a significant increase from 80 in 2021 [1]. This increase is due to the city's ADU Incentive Program, which provides financial assistance to homeowners who want to build ADUs [1].

Other requirements

- Property Restriction: Property owners must file a deed restriction with Alameda County that prohibits the sale of the ADU separate from the primary residence and restricts its use as a short-term rentalproperty [1][2].

- Address Assignment: All ADUs, except Junior ADUs, require a new address assignment [5].

- Permit Fees: Building permit fees for ADUs in Berkeley typically range from $5,000 to $10,000 [1].

Berkeley's approach to ADUs reflects a commitment to increasing the availability of housing while maintaining community standards. The combination of relaxed regulations, financial incentives, and streamlined processes aims to encourage homeowners to participate in alleviating the housing crisis [1][2][3].

Citations:

[1] https://www.cotta.ge/regulations/san-francisco-bay-area-berkeley

[2] https://www.newavenuehomes.com/blog/berkeley-adu-regulations

[3] https://www.autonomous.ai/ourblog/adu-in-berkeley-requirements-permits-regulations

[4] https://berkeleyca.gov/sites/default/files/documents/2023-11-07_Berkeley_Forms_ADUs_Info_and_FAQs.pdf

[5] https://berkeleyca.gov/construction-development/permits-design-parameters/permit-process/residential-additions-and

[6] https://www.gatheradu.com/adu-info/springfield-or

[7] http://www.wecaneugene.org/secondary-dwelling-in-eugene

[8] https://truebuilthome.com/adu-planning-in-oregon/

Disclaimer: The information provided in this briefing is for general informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for consulting the official Municipal Code or seeking guidance from your local Community and Economic Development Department.