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Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Permit

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An Accessory Dwelling Unit, or ADU, Permit may be required to establish a second unit in a single-family or multi-family residential zoning district. An ADU, sometimes called a guest house, granny flat, au pair, or in-law unit, is defined as an attached or detached residential dwelling unit, which provides complete independent facilities for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation for one or more persons. The goal of ADUs is to facilitate and encourage the development of diverse housing types and additional affordable housing units to accommodate a diversity of Lafayette citizens in terms of age and socio-economic background and to meet the regional housing needs. The intent of this review is to maintain a residential character and ensure that second units are auxiliary to the main residence.

 

Accessory Dwelling Unit Fees Reduced through 2026!

Are you thinking of building a second unit? ADUs, also referred to as in-law units or granny flats, are a quick and effective way to increase housing availability and reduce housing costs in Lafayette while preserving the neighborhood character. To try and further remove barriers to building an ADU, the City is temporarily reducing the development impact fees charged for new ADUs by 50% through 2026!

Learn more about the ADU Grant Program offered by the CA Housing Finance Agency (additional funding available starting December 11, 2023.

 

Steps to Building an ADU

  1. Read Up: Closely review the development standards in the ADU Ordinance and determine the ADU Class of your project (Class A, B, or C).
  2. Discuss your project with a planner:
    1.  Click this link to connect with a planner at the Virtual Planning Counter via Zoom Monday and Wednesday, 9:00-11:00 AM and 1:00-3:00 PM (No appointment needed): https://bit.ly/2WkgHcv. 
    2. Book an appointment via the online booking system for a 20 minute in-person appointment Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:00-11:00 AM and 1:00-3:00 PM
  3. Class A and B ADUs: Submit architectural plans, and title report to https://lovelafayette.idtplans.com/secure/. Additional documentation or review may be required based on the project scope.
  4. Class C ADUs: Submit architectural plans, title report, and a completed ADU application to https://lovelafayette.idtplans.com/secure/.


Is my project subject to an ADU Permit?
An ADU Permit is only required for Class C ADUs. Class C ADUs are all proposals that do not meet the standards listed below for Class A and Class B ADUs. Class A and B ADUs may be approved over-the-counter.

Class A ADU - BUILDING PERMIT REQUIRED

  1. Limited Detached on Single-family Lot: One detached, new-construction ADU on a lot with a proposed or existing single-family dwelling (in addition to any JADU that might be established on the lot), if the detached ADU satisfies all of the following limitations:
    1. The side- and rear-yard setbacks are at least four-feet.
    2. The total floor area is 800 square feet or smaller.
    3. The height is 16 feet or less.
  2. Limited Detached on Multifamily Lot: No more than two detached ADUs on a lot that has an existing multifamily dwelling if each detached ADU satisfies all of the following limitations:
    1. The side- and rear-yard setbacks are at least four-feet.
    2. The height is 16 feet or less.

Class B ADU - BUILDING PERMIT REQUIRED

  1. Converted on Single-family Lot: One ADU or JADU on a lot with a proposed or existing single-family dwelling on it, where the ADU or JADU:
    1. Is either: within the space of a proposed single-family dwelling; within the existing space of an existing single-family dwelling; or within the existing space of an existing accessory building, plus up to 150 additional square feet if the expansion is limited to accommodating ingress and egress;
    2. Has exterior access that is independent of that for the single-family dwelling; and
    3. Has side and rear setbacks sufficient for fire and safety, as dictated by applicable building and fire codes.

    2. Converted on Multifamily Lot: Multiple ADUs within portions of existing multifamily dwelling buildings that are not used as livable space, including but not limited to storage rooms, boiler rooms, passageways, attics, basements, or garages, if each converted ADU complies with state building standards for dwellings. At least one converted ADU is allowed within an existing multifamily dwelling buildings, and multiple converted ADUs shall be permitted up to 25 percent of the number of existing multifamily dwelling units.

Class C ADU - ADU PERMIT & BUILDING PERMIT REQUIRED