The Basics Of ADU Zoning

There is a long list of rules and regulations when it comes to ADU development. They can be hard to understand if you are new to the ADU world. That is why we are going to give you a crash course in the basics of ADU zoning to make building your ADU easier for you.

Different Types Of Zoning Laws

The first thing you should know is that there are different types of zoning laws. Every geographical region of a city has its own zoning laws depending on whether it is commercial or residential. Your ADU will fall in a residential zone, but it is important to note that not all residential zones have the same laws. Hence why you should make sure your property falls within the zone you are looking up laws for.

What Zoning Laws Consist of

Zoning laws consist of whether or not an ADU can be built on your property. Not all cities allow them, so a big part of ADU zoning laws is whether or not ADUs are indeed allowed.

If they are allowed, there will be regulations about setback requirements, drainage, height restrictions, and other construction aspects. These are important to know and follow because if you do not, your ADU will not receive a building permit. If you build your ADU without a permit, you will face heavy fines and it won’t add to the value of your home.

Safety And Zoning Laws

Many zoning laws are put into place to keep you safe. They address things like fires, floods, earthquakes, and other natural disasters. Not following these laws could leave your ADU open to disaster, meaning all your hard work building it would have been for nothing. That is why we strongly encourage you to go above and beyond in these safety aspects. Plus if you are renting out your ADU and it is not up to zoning laws codes for safety and your tenant is hurt because of it, you could get sued.

Identify Your Zone

Check-in with your local planning office to identify which zone you fall in and what zoning laws apply to you.