Clovis, CA Accessory Structures: ADU Rules (2026)

22) and lets ADUs sit in every residential zoning district, including mixed-use zones where housing is allowed. A single-family lot may add one ADU and one JADU; lots with existing multifamily buildings may add two detached ADUs or convert nonlivable space, such as garages, storage rooms or basements, into ADUs up to 25% of the existing unit count. Size limits are fixed by the code: a detached ADU tops out at 1,200 square feet, an attached ADU at 50% of the primary dwelling's floor area or 1,200 square feet (whichever is larger), and every ADU or JADU must be at least 220 square feet.

JADUs cannot exceed 500 square feet because they are carved out of an existing single-family home rather than built new. Setbacks are four feet from the side and rear lot lines, waived if the ADU sits inside the existing home or an existing permitted accessory structure. Height is limited to one story unless the unit sits above a garage; detached ADUs cap at 16 feet (18 feet within a half-mile of a major transit stop), and attached ADUs cap at 25 feet. Parking requires one space per ADU unless state law exempts the site, and the ADU cannot push the lot's total coverage past the zoning district's maximum.

Applications go to the Planning and Development Department with dimensioned plans and elevations; the Director investigates and must approve ministerially, without discretionary review, once the standards are met. Every ADU pays the same connection, capacity and impact fees as new residential construction, plus a building inspection fee, and needs a certificate of occupancy for the primary home before its own certificate issues.