Design Path Studio

What is a PRADU?

A PRADU is a Permit Ready Accessory Dwelling Unit, these are plans that have been reviewed and approved by their respective jurisdictions. While some site-specific design work is required, (including a site plan and updated energy calculations) these pre-approved plans can help a property owner dramatically reduce pre-construction costs and streamline the permitting process.

What is an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)?

ADUs are attached or detached residential dwelling units, which are secondary in nature to a primary dwelling. Also known as “mother-in-law suites” or “granny flats,” ADUs provide complete independent living facilities for one or more persons. This includes permanent provisions for sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation. ADUs are permitted on properties which are zoned for single-family or multi-family use. An ADU can be rented for periods of 30 days or more. A permit issued by your local Planning Department may be necessary before the unit can be rented as a short-term rental.

NUMBER OF UNITS -

Single-family: Up to one ADU and one JADU per single-family dwelling.

Multifamily: Up to two detached ADUs or no more than 25% of the existing units in the multifamily building, or conversion of existing non-habitable space.

MAXIMUM UNIT SIZE -

Up to 800 square feet on any lot is allowed by-right and not subject to floor area ratio (FAR) and lot coverage requirements.

Detached: Up to 1,200 square feet.

Attached: Up to 1,200 square feet or 50 percent of the floor area of the primary residence.

FRONT-YARD SETBACK -

Same as existing zoning, unless an ADU is 800sf or less. No additional setback for an existing garage that is converted to an ADU.

REAR-YARD & SIDE-YARD SETBACKS -

Same as existing zoning or four feet. No additional setback for an existing garage that is converted to an ADU.

HEIGHT -

16-foot limit with proposed or existing single or multifamily dwellings.

18 feet limit within ½ mile from public transit, or the property has a proposed or existing multifamily, multistory dwelling.

25 feet if attached to primary dwelling or the local zoning requirement, whichever is less.

RENTALS -

ADUs can be rented for periods of 30 days or more. Short-term rental (30 days or less) may require a permit from your local Planning Department.

PARKING -

One parking space may be required for newly constructed units unless the unit is:

-  Within ½ mile of public transit (train station and all bus stops)

-  Created within the area of an existing building

-  In a historic district

-  Located within one block of a car share vehicle option

ADDRESS -

A separate address is required for the ADU.

COVENANT/DEED RESTRICTION -

ADUs are considered an accessory use to a primary residential dwelling and may not be sold separately, except as provided in Government Code section 66340.

Recordation of a covenant may be required, prohibiting the sale of the unit, restricting the size of the unit, etc.

FEES -

-  Utility hook-up fees

-  School fees

- Planning fees

-  Development Service Department fees

Contact your local jurisdiction to see what fees apply.

What is a Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit (JADU)?

A JADU is a residential dwelling unit that is no more than 500 square feet in area, contained entirely within a proposed or existing single-family residence, and can have bath/sanitation facilities that are either separate or shared with the existing residence.

NUMBER OF UNITS -

Single-family: One JADU per existing single-family dwelling

Multifamily: JADUs are not allowed in association with multifamily dwellings

MAXIMUM UNIT SIZE -

JADUs can be up to 500 square feet in area within an existing or proposed single-family dwelling or attached garage.

JADUs must meet all development standards of the underlying zoning.

FRONT, REAR, & SIDE YARD SETBACKS -

JADUs must meet all development standards of the underlying zoning.

HEIGHT -

JADUs must meet all development standards of the underlying zoning.

RENTALS -

JADUs can be rented for periods of 30 days or more. Short-term rental (30 days or less) may require a permit from your local Planning Department.

PARKING -

No additional parking is required for a JADU.

ADDRESS -

A separate address is required for the JADU.

OWNER OCCUPANCY -

Owner occupancy is required in either the single-family dwelling or the JADU. Owner-occupancy shall not be required if the owner is another governmental agency, land trust, or housing organization.

INGRESS/EGRESS -

-  Separate exterior access is required.

-  Interior access is optional.

* JADUs may share bath/sanitation facilities with the primary residence or may have separate sanitation facilities

KITCHEN -

Efficiency kitchen requirements vary by jurisdiction. Check with your local jurisdiction for their requirements. Minimum state requirements:

- A cooking facility with appliances.

- A food preparation counter and storage cabinets that are of reasonable size in relation to the size of the junior accessory dwelling unit.

COVENANT/DEED RESTRICTION -

Recordation of a covenant is required, prohibiting the sale of the unit, ensuring owner occupancy, and restricting the size of the unit, etc.

JADUs are considered an accessory use to a single-family residence and may not be sold separately, but may be rented for terms longer than 30 days

FEES -

-  Utility hook-up fees

-  School fees

- Planning fees

-  Development Service Department fees

Contact your local jurisdiction to see what fees apply.

Can PRADU plans be used outside of their pre-approved jurisdiction?

Yes, there is a small licensing fee to use the plans outside of their permitted jurisdictions. Additionally, the plans will need to be revised to comply with local code requirements, which typically involves updating notes, specifications, structural, and energy calculations.