ADU Builders in California
California has the most permissive ADU laws in the country. Statewide rules override most local restrictions, making it possible to build an ADU on virtually any single-family lot.
Permit timeline
60 days
Max size
1200 sqft
Owner-occupancy
Not required
Rentals
Allowed
Cities in California
Sacramento
Sacramento
ADU-friendly: 8/10
San Francisco
Bay Area
ADU-friendly: 6/10
Oakland
Bay Area
ADU-friendly: 7/10
San Jose
Bay Area
ADU-friendly: 8/10
Los Angeles
Los Angeles
ADU-friendly: 7/10
San Diego
San Diego
ADU-friendly: 9/10
Long Beach
Los Angeles
ADU-friendly: 7/10
Berkeley
Bay Area
ADU-friendly: 7/10
California ADU Law Summary
California state law (SB 9, AB 68, AB 881) requires cities to allow ADUs on most single-family lots. Detached ADUs up to 1,200 sqft, attached up to 50% of primary or 800 sqft. Cities must approve or deny within 60 days.