ADU rules in Garden Grove, CA — also called accessory dwelling unit regulations or granny flat ordinances — cover setbacks, owner-occupancy, parking, and permit requirements.
Garden Grove regulates ADUs and JADUs under Garden Grove Municipal Code Chapter 9.54 (Ord. 2966). Only one ADU and one JADU are allowed per single-family lot. Attached ADUs are capped at 1,200 sq ft or 50% of the primary dwelling (whichever is less), with an 800 sq ft floor where the primary unit is under 1,600 sq ft, and JADUs at 500 sq ft.
Under GGMC §9.54.040 (ADU Requirements) and §9.54.050 (JADU Requirements), ADUs are permitted on any lot zoned for single-family or multifamily residential use that contains a proposed or existing legal dwelling. For two-or-more-bedroom attached ADUs, the cap is 1,200 sq ft or 50% of the primary unit's floor area, whichever is less; if the primary dwelling is under 1,600 sq ft, the attached ADU may still be up to 800 sq ft. Garden Grove applies the state-mandated 4-foot minimum side and rear setback to new construction ADUs and follows the underlying zone for front setbacks. A JADU may not exceed 500 sq ft, must be located within the walls of the existing single-family dwelling, and may not be sold, mortgaged, or transferred separately from the primary residence. Garden Grove processes ADU applications ministerially without a public hearing, consistent with California Government Code §65852.2.
Unpermitted ADUs are violations of GGMC Chapter 9.54 enforced by Garden Grove Code Enforcement, with administrative citations and required compliance. Selling, mortgaging, or transferring a JADU separately from the primary residence violates §9.54.050.
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