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Garden Grove California ADU Friendly Requirements
ADU Regulations and Guidelines for Accessory Dwelling Units in Garden Grove
John Harding
September 19, 2024
Garden Grove, California, has established specific guidelines for the development of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) to address housing needs and improve housing opportunities. Here is an overview of the regulations for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in Garden Grove, California.
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Zoning and Permissibility
Key Themes:
State Mandate: California state law mandates that ADUs and JADUs are allowed in all zones permitting residential uses. This includes single-family and multi-family lots with no minimum lot size requirement. [1]
Types of ADUs: Garden Grove allows for both newly constructed ADUs (attached or detached) and conversions of existing spaces into ADUs.[7]
JADU Restrictions: JADUs are limited to single-family lots, must be contained within the existing home (including attached garages), and require owner occupancy.[2]
Promoting Housing: The City encourages ADUs and JADUs as a means to increase housing stock and provide more affordable housing options.[7]
Important Facts and Requirements:
1. Zoning and Lot Size:
ADUs: Allowed in all zones permitting single-family or multi-family use. No minimum lot size. [1]
JADUs: Allowed only on single-family lots. No minimum lot size.[2]
2. Unit Size and Design:
Maximum ADU Size:Studio/1-Bedroom: 850 sq ft
2+ Bedrooms: 1,200 sq ft
Attached ADUs: Limited to 50% of the main dwelling unit size or the above limits, whichever is less. [3]
Minimum ADU Size:Studio: 220 sq ft
1-Bedroom: 500 sq ft
2+ Bedrooms: 700 sq ft [1]
Maximum JADU Size: 500 sq ft.[2]
Height: All ADUs are limited to one story and 16 feet in height. [1]
Architectural Compatibility: ADUs must be architecturally compatible with the primary dwelling unit. "The Municipal Code requires the ADU to be compatible in design with the existing home, which includes similar roof type and pitch, exterior finishes, and color."[4]
3. Parking:
ADUs: 1 parking space required per new ADU unless located within ½ mile of public transit. No parking required for ADU conversions. [3]
JADUs: No dedicated parking required, but replacement parking is necessary for converted attached garages.[2]
4. Conversions:
Permitted Spaces: ADU conversions are allowed within existing permitted living space in single-family homes and non-living space in multi-family buildings. [5]
Attached Accessory Structures: Detached ADU conversions can be expanded up to 150 sq ft for ingress and egress. [5]
Proof of Permits: Property owners must provide copies of building permits for the space to be converted. [5]
5. Multi-Family ADU Specifics:
New Construction: Up to 2 detached ADUs allowed per multi-family lot. [6]
Conversions: Up to 25% of existing multi-family units can be converted to ADUs. "Number of existing units x 25% = Number of ADU conversion permitted" [6]
6. Building Code Requirements:
All ADUs and JADUs must comply with the California Building Code.[7] Building code requirements include:
Separate utilities are allowed for ADUs.
JADUs must share utilities with the primary dwelling.
Fire sprinklers are required only if they are already required for the primary dwelling unit.
Each ADU and JADU will be issued a separate address. [1]
Owner Occupancy: For ADUs approved between 1 January 2020 and 31 December 2024, owner occupancy is not mandatory. This means that homeowners in Garden Grove can build an ADU on their property and rent it out without living in either the main house or the ADU. [4]
Rental Regulations: The sources explicitly prohibit short-term rentals (less than 30 days) for both ADUs and JADUs. However, they don't explicitly mention permitting long-term rentals. This suggests that long-term rentals exceeding 30 days are acceptable. [4]
Separate Entrance: Each ADU must have its separate entrance. This ensures the privacy and independence of both the ADU residents and those living in the main dwelling. [1]
Kitchen Requirements: A full kitchen is required in both ADUs and JADUs. ADUs need "separate living, cooking, and bathroom facilities". JADUs require "its own cooking facility with appliances, food preparation counter, storage cabinets". This ensures that the ADU is a self-contained living unit. [1]
Utility Connections: The regulations regarding utility connections differ between ADUs and JADUs. ADUs are allowed separate utility connections, including water, gas, electrical, and sewer. However, JADUs "must be served by the same utility connections as the primary unit, and no separate utility meters will be permitted". [1]
Permit Fees: There is a permit fee, but "no impact fees" are charged for ADUs under 750 square feet. [1]
Approval Process: ADU applications that meet development standards undergo a "plan check review process" that takes 60 days. The sources don't mention automatic approval or public hearings. This 60-day timeframe suggests a streamlined approval process for compliant applications. [1]
Fees for ADUs Under 750 Square Feet: ADUs with a floor area of less than 750 square feet are not subject to impact fees.[1]
Looking for an ADU Construction Quote? Visit: https://adugardengrove.com/
Sources:
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article 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.