ADU rules in Newport Beach, CA — also called accessory dwelling unit regulations or granny flat ordinances — cover setbacks, owner-occupancy, parking, and permit requirements.
Newport Beach allows accessory dwelling units under NBMC Chapter 20.48 in compliance with California ADU law. The city has adopted specific development standards for ADUs including size limits, setbacks, and parking requirements.
Newport Beach permits accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and junior ADUs (JADUs) in residential zones under NBMC Chapter 20.48, as required by California Government Code Sections 65852.2 and 65852.22. Detached ADUs may be up to 1,200 square feet for lots with an existing single-family home. Attached ADUs may be up to 50% of the existing living area or 1,200 square feet, whichever is less. JADUs are limited to 500 square feet and must be created from existing space within the primary dwelling. ADU setbacks are 4 feet from side and rear property lines for detached units. Height limits are generally 16 feet for detached ADUs, though state law allows up to 18 feet in certain circumstances. One parking space is required per ADU unless the property is within a half-mile of public transit, in which case no parking is required. ADUs in the Coastal Zone require a Coastal Development Permit or exemption. The Community Development Department at (949) 644-3200 reviews ADU applications. Ministerial approval is required within 60 days for compliant applications.
Building an ADU without permits is a code violation subject to stop-work orders and enforcement action. Unpermitted ADUs must be legalized or removed. Short-term rental of ADUs (under 30 days) is prohibited by state law for ADUs approved after January 1, 2020.
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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.
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