California ADU Parking Requirements

Accessory dwelling units (ADUs), also known as granny flats or in-law units, are a type of housing unit that is located on the same lot as a single-family home. ADUs can be attached to the main house or detached, and they can be used for a variety of purposes, including housing aging parents, adult children, or roommates.

In California, ADUs are becoming increasingly popular as a way to provide affordable housing and to create more density in single-family neighborhoods. In 2019, California passed a law that made it easier to build ADUs by reducing the number of permits and fees required. The law also allows ADUs to be up to 1,200 square feet in size, and it allows them to be rented out for up to a year.

One of the biggest challenges to building an ADU is meeting parking requirements. In many cities, ADUs are required to have one parking space for every bedroom. This can be a major expense, especially in urban areas where parking is scarce and expensive.

There are a few ways to get around parking requirements for ADUs. One way is to build the ADU in a location that is close to public transportation. Another way is to share a parking space with a neighbor. Finally, some cities allow ADUs to be exempt from parking requirements if they are small in size or if they are rented out to low-income tenants.

If you are considering building an ADU, it is important to check with your local city or county to find out what the parking requirements are. There may be ways to get around these requirements, and it is important to explore all of your options before making a decision.