Accessory dwelling units

Accessory dwelling units and junior accessory dwelling units are residential units located on the same lot as another home. They are sometimes called granny units or inlaw units. They are also referred to by their acronyms, ADU and JADU.

Benefits

• Rental housing for people with low and moderate incomes, older adults, and people with disabilities
• Supplemental income to homeowners
• Efficient use of land

Review process

The review process is ministerial. This means your application is reviewed by City staff in an objective manner. They check if the project meets the development and design standards. There is no public notice or public hearing.

Learn about the permit process.

If an ADU is approved on a neighbor’s property, you cannot appeal the decision even if it blocks your view.

If your property is in both Piedmont and Oakland, you may need approval from both cities.

ADU vs JADU

Your unit is considered an accessory dwelling or a junior accessory dwelling, based on the size, amenities, and type of structure.

Accessory dwelling unit

• Up to 1,200 square feet for detached or new construction attached
• Conversion of existing space has no size limit
• Kitchen
• Place for someone to sleep
• Full bathroom

Junior accessory dwelling unit

• 500 square feet or less
• Efficiency kitchen
• Place for someone to sleep
• Its own bathroom or shared bathroom with the main house
• Attached or part of the main house or an existing attached accessory structure like a garage
• On a property that is owner-occupied

3 main types

• Detached (separate from the house)
• Converted (existing structure, like a garage)
• Attached (attached to the house)

Learn about regulations and standards.

Renting your unit

Renting your ADU is a great way to create supplemental income while providing much needed rental housing to the community.

Learn about the rules and taxes for renting your ADU.