Buena Park, CA Accessory Structures: ADU Rules (2026)

Buena Park's own ADU ordinance (BPMC 19.348.010) allows ADUs on lots zoned single-family, multifamily, or mixed-use residential. On single-family lots a property may have one ADU plus one JADU. Detached and attached ADUs are capped at 850 square feet for up to one bedroom and 1,000 square feet for more than one bedroom; JADUs may not exceed 500 square feet (minimum 150 sq ft). Detached ADUs are limited to 16 feet in height, rising to 20 feet within a half-mile of a major transit stop or high-quality transit corridor; an attached ADU may reach two stories/30 feet (or the height of the existing two-story home, whichever is lower). New ADUs must keep a minimum 4-foot rear and 4-foot side setback, though conversions of existing structures keep their existing setbacks. One parking space per ADU is required unless an exemption applies (within a half-mile walk of transit, within the primary footprint, etc.). The City approves complete applications ministerially within 60 days. ADUs may not be sold separately and minimum rental terms are 30 days (no short-term rentals). JADUs carry an owner-occupancy requirement and a recorded deed restriction. These are city standards layered on the state ADU law, not Orange County rules.