ADU rules in Arcata, CA — also called accessory dwelling unit regulations or granny flat ordinances — cover setbacks, owner-occupancy, parking, and permit requirements.
Government Code 65852.2 and 65852.22 establish statewide ministerial approval, size minimums, and parking caps for accessory dwelling units, overriding most local rules.
California ADU law requires ministerial (no discretionary review) permits within 60 days, allows ADUs up to 1,200 square feet, prohibits owner-occupancy mandates for permits issued through 2025, eliminates parking requirements within a half mile of transit, and forbids minimum lot sizes for ADUs. Junior ADUs (JADUs) up to 500 square feet are permitted in single-family zones. Local agencies must approve at least one ADU and one JADU per single-family lot. The Department of Housing and Community Development reviews and may invalidate non-compliant local ordinances.
Non-compliant city denials can be reversed by HCD; applicants may sue for fees and damages under Government Code 65852.2(l).
See how Arcata's adu rules rules stack up against other locations.
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