Pomona, CA Accessory Structures: ADU Owner Occupancy (2026)

Under Sec. g of Pomona's Zoning and Development Code, adopted July 1, 2024, all JADUs are subject to an owner-occupancy requirement imposed as required by state law. A natural person with legal or equitable title to the property must reside on the property, in either the primary dwelling or the JADU, as that person's legal domicile and permanent residence. The requirement does not apply if the property is entirely owned by another governmental agency, a land trust, or a housing organization. Note that full-size ADUs (as opposed to JADUs) are not subject to this owner-occupancy rule under Pomona's current code; the requirement is specific to JADUs.

Separately, before a certificate of occupancy issues for any ADU or JADU, Sec. h requires the owner to record a deed restriction with the Los Angeles County Recorder's office and file a copy with the Development Services Director, restricting the unit from being sold separately from the primary dwelling and binding future owners. The deed restriction can only be removed on written request to the Development Services Director with evidence the ADU or JADU has actually been eliminated (for example, removal of kitchen facilities), and the Director's determination is appealable under Sec.

F. A JADU created without a building permit still must satisfy the owner-occupancy standard as part of the general JADU requirements in Sec. 5, which apply regardless of whether the unit was approved under the Type 1 or Type 2 building-permit pathway in Sec. 4.