ADU rules in Mission Viejo, CA — also called accessory dwelling unit regulations or granny flat ordinances — cover setbacks, owner-occupancy, parking, and permit requirements.
Mission Viejo permits accessory dwelling units and junior accessory dwelling units in residential zones consistent with California state ADU law. The city processes ADU applications ministerially and cannot impose subjective design review on qualifying projects.
Under California Government Code Sections 65852.2 and 65852.22, Mission Viejo must allow ADUs and JADUs in residential zones. The city adopted local ADU regulations in Title 9 of its municipal code consistent with state law. ADUs up to 800 square feet for studios/one-bedrooms or 1,000 square feet for two-bedrooms are allowed by right on single-family lots. Detached ADUs must comply with 4-foot rear and side setbacks. No additional parking is required for ADUs within half a mile of public transit. Owner-occupancy requirements were removed by state law through 2025. The city must approve or deny ADU applications within 60 days. JADUs up to 500 square feet are allowed within the existing primary dwelling footprint.
Building an ADU without permits is a code violation resulting in stop-work orders and retroactive permitting. The city cannot deny qualifying ADU applications that meet objective standards.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Orange County.
See how other cities in Orange County handle adu rules.
See how Mission Viejo's adu rules rules stack up against other locations.
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