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Orange County, California
Find out if your Santa Ana property qualifies for an Accessory Dwelling Unit. Under California state law (AB 68, AB 881), Santa Ana must approve ADUs that meet state standards — no discretionary review, no public hearings. Enter your lot size and home details to see every ADU option available to you, including detached ADUs, Junior ADUs, garage conversions, and multi-unit scenarios under SB 1211.
Provide your lot size, primary home square footage, and whether you have a garage. These determine which ADU types are available to you under your state and local rules.
Our rules engine evaluates your property against your state's ADU laws and local zoning requirements to determine what's allowed on your lot.
Get a breakdown of every ADU type you qualify for — detached, JADU, garage conversion, or multiple units — with maximum sizes, setbacks, and parking requirements.
An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a secondary housing unit on a residential lot. ADU rules vary widely by state — some states have strong statewide laws that streamline permitting, while others leave regulations entirely to local municipalities.
Common types of ADUs include:
ADU construction costs typically range from $150,000–$350,000 for new construction, depending on size, finishes, and location. Garage conversions are cheaper ($80,000–$150,000) since the shell already exists. Prefab ADUs can start around $100,000–$200,000 plus site work. Permit fees vary by city but typically run $5,000–$15,000.
It depends on your state. In states with strong ADU laws (like California), cities must approve ADUs that meet state standards ministerially — no discretionary review or public hearings. In states without statewide ADU laws, cities have more discretion. Check your local planning department for specific requirements.
For standard ADUs in many states, no — owner occupancy is not required. However, for Junior ADUs (JADUs) in California, owner occupancy IS required. Other states and cities may have their own owner-occupancy rules. This distinction matters if you're an investor or planning to rent both units.
Permitting timelines vary by city. Some states mandate response times (e.g., California requires a decision within 60 days of a complete application). In practice, getting to a "complete" application can take time — plan check corrections, utility clearances, and structural review often add 2–4 months. Total timeline from design to move-in is typically 8–14 months.
Yes, the ADU will add assessed value to your property. The exact impact depends on your state's property tax rules. In states with assessment caps (like California's Proposition 13), only the new construction is assessed at current value. Rental income from the ADU typically far exceeds the property tax increase.
In California, yes — state law explicitly allows one ADU plus one JADU on any single-family lot, giving you three units total. Other states may not have JADU provisions. Check your state and local rules for what combinations are allowed on your property.