ADU rules in La Habra, CA — also called accessory dwelling unit regulations or granny flat ordinances — cover setbacks, owner-occupancy, parking, and permit requirements.
La Habra permits accessory dwelling units and junior ADUs ministerially with only a building permit under LHMC Section 18.12.150 (Ordinance 1835), implementing California ADU law. No owner-occupancy is required for standard ADUs and no parking is mandated.
La Habra's ADU standards in LHMC 18.12.150 conform to California Government Code 65852.2 and 65852.22 (recodified in the 66310-66342 series). A compliant ADU is allowed by-right with a building permit and no discretionary hearing. Detached new-construction ADUs may reach 1,200 square feet and 16 feet in height, with 4-foot side and rear setbacks and a 10-foot separation from other buildings. Junior ADUs are capped at 500 square feet inside a single-family dwelling. No off-street parking is required for any ADU or JADU. Owner-occupancy is not required for ADUs permitted between January 1, 2020 and January 1, 2025. Impact fees are waived for ADUs under 750 square feet. A recorded covenant restricts rentals to 31 days or longer.
Building an ADU without a permit, or renting an ADU for stays under 31 days, violates the code and can trigger code enforcement and required corrections.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Orange County.
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