Step 3: Does my ADU meet zoning requirements?

ADU graphic

An example of the types of "Accessory Dwelling Units" permitted under revised Woodland Ordinances. (2020). Dailey Democrat. https://www.dailydemocrat.com/2020/01/08/woodland-updates-its-granny-flat-ordinance-to-comply-with-new-state-law/


ADUs can be detached, attached, or a conversion of an existing space.

  • Existing structures such as garages, workshops, guest quarters, or portions of a primary dwelling may be converted to an ADU. Some upgrades may be required for structures that were not originally meant to be inhabited to meet Building Code requirements.

SIZE REQUIREMENTS: 

ADU’s can range from a minimum of 150sqft to a maximum of 1,200sqft.

Detached: Up to 1,200sqft of livable space.

Attached: Up to 1,200sqft or 50% of the size of the primary dwelling, whichever is less. 

  • This will not exclude an ADU that is up to 800sqft, 16ft in height, with side & rear setbacks of at least 4ft from being built. 

Converted: Must be within the existing space of an accessory structure, plus up to 150 additional square feet if the expansion is limited to accommodating ingress and egress.

HEIGHT REQUIREMENTS:

Detached: Up to 16ft in height.

  • An additional two feet may be allowed for the ADU roof pitch to align with the roof pitch of the primary dwelling. 
  •  A unit above a detached structure that is contiguous to an alley may not exceed 25ft.

Attached: Up to 25ft in height or the same height set by the zoning code for the primary dwelling, whichever is less.

Converted: Up to the height of the existing structure being converted.


ADU Height -1 (1)

SETBACK REQUIREMENTS:

Detached: 20ft front yard setback or the front setback imposed by the underlying zone, whichever is greater. At least 4ft side and rear yard setbacks. At least 6ft between structures. 

  • Except when an ADU is 800sqft or under,16ft or less in height, with side & rear setbacks of at least 4ft, and is sufficient for fire and safety. 

Attached: 20ft front yard setback or the front setback imposed by the underlying zone, whichever is greater. At least 4ft side and rear yard setbacks. At least 6ft between accessory structures. 

  • Except when an ADU is 800sqft or under,16ft or less in height, with side & rear setbacks of at least 4ft, and is sufficient for fire and safety. 

Converted: No setback shall be required for a legally established, existing garage or accessory building that is converted to an ADU, provided the structure is not expanded and is sufficient for fire and safety.   

Corner Lots: Side yard setbacks may be increased up to 10ft to allow for Public Utility Easements. 



Setbacks-1


LOT COVERAGE REQUIREMENTS:

Lot Coverage: An attached or detached ADU may not cause the total lot coverage of the single family lot to exceed 50%.

  • Except when an ADU is 800sqft or under,16ft or less in height, with side & rear setbacks of at least 4ft.

Rear Lot Coverage: An attached or detached ADU shall not result in more than 30% rear yard coverage as measured from the rear wall of the primary residence to the rear property line.

  • Except when an ADU is 800sqft or under,16ft or less in height, with side & rear setbacks of at least 4ft.

50 Lot Coverage-1


ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

  1. Architectural
  2. Landscape/Screening
  3.       Parking
  4. Solar
  5. Fire Sprinklers
  6. Tiny Home & Mobile Home

Architectural Requirements:

  •  The ADU must have an independent exterior entrance, apart from that of the primary dwelling. 
  • The exterior lighting must be limited to down-lights or as otherwise required by the building or fire code.
  •  The interior horizontal dimensions of an ADU must be at least 10 feet wide in every direction, with a minimum interior wall height of seven feet.
  •  A garage converted to an accessory dwelling unit shall include removal of garage door(s) which shall be replaced with architectural features, including walls, doors, windows, trim and accent details.

Required for ADUs needing an ADU permit or ZAP and strongly suggested for ADUs needing a building permit.

  • The materials and colors of the exterior walls, roof, and windows and doors must match or be harmonious with the appearance and architectural design of the primary dwelling. 
    • Windows and doors of the ADU may not have a direct line of sight to an adjoining residential property. Fencing, landscaping, or privacy glass may be used to provide screening and prevent a direct line of sight. 
    •  Access stairs, entry doors and decks must face the primary residence or the alley, if applicable.
    • All second-story windows and doors in a second unit that are less than 30 feet from a property line that is not a right-of-way line must either be (for windows) clerestory with the bottom of the glass at least six feet above the finished floor, or (for windows and for doors) utilize frosted or obscure glass. 
  • The architectural treatment of an ADU to be constructed on a lot that has an identified historical resource listed on the federal, state, or local register of historic places must comply with all applicable ministerial requirements imposed by the Secretary of Interior.