ADU rules in Butte County, CA — also called accessory dwelling unit regulations or granny flat ordinances — cover setbacks, owner-occupancy, parking, and permit requirements.
Butte County permits accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and junior ADUs in unincorporated areas served by municipal water and sewer, with ministerial approval, 4-foot side/rear setbacks, and size caps of 500 sq ft (JADU) or 1,200 sq ft (detached ADU); short-term rentals under 30 days are prohibited.
Section 24-172 of the Butte County Code establishes standards for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and junior accessory dwelling units (JADUs) in conformance with California Government Code sections 65852.2 and 65852.22. ADUs and JADUs in unincorporated Butte County are restricted to areas within the boundaries of water and sewer service providers (mainly limited areas near Oroville); they are not allowed in unserved rural areas, although traditional 'second units' under Section 24-172.2 remain available on parcels with approved septic and wells. Permit applications are processed ministerially without discretionary review or a hearing. Junior ADUs must be a minimum of 150 sq ft and not exceed 500 sq ft; detached ADUs must be a minimum of 150 sq ft and not exceed 1,200 sq ft; attached ADUs are limited to 50 percent of the floor area of the primary dwelling. Setbacks for new ADUs are no less than 4 feet from side and rear property lines, and conversions of existing structures into ADUs require no additional setback. Up to three units per parcel are allowed (one primary dwelling, one detached ADU, and one JADU). Impact fees are prohibited on ADUs under 750 sq ft, and ADUs are not allowed on parcels subject to Williamson Act contracts. ADUs and JADUs cannot be rented for terms of 30 days or less, and the owner must record a deed restriction containing this prohibition before the permit issues.
Building or renting an ADU without recording the required deed restriction, exceeding size caps, or renting an ADU for terms of 30 days or less can trigger code enforcement action by the county, withholding of certificate of occupancy, and legal action against the property owner. Williamson Act parcels that build an ADU may face contract cancellation.
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