ADU rules in Orange County, CA — also called accessory dwelling unit regulations or granny flat ordinances — cover setbacks, owner-occupancy, parking, and permit requirements.
Unincorporated Orange County allows ADUs on any residentially zoned lot under OC Zoning Code (Title 7, Division 9) and California Government Code §65852.2 (ADUs) and §65852.22 (JADUs). State law preempts most local restrictions: minimum 800 sqft, 16 ft height, and 4 ft side/rear setbacks must be allowed by right.
Per Cal. Gov. Code §65852.2(c), local agencies must allow at least one detached ADU up to 800 sqft with 4-foot side/rear setbacks and 16 ft height (or 18-25 ft near transit/multifamily) by ministerial review. OC permits detached ADUs up to 1,200 sqft and attached ADUs up to 50% of primary dwelling floor area, capped at 1,200 sqft. JADUs (§65852.22) are limited to 500 sqft and must be within an existing or proposed single-family dwelling. No replacement parking is required when converting a garage. Owner-occupancy may be required when both an ADU and JADU exist on a single-family lot (§65852.22(a)(2)). Single-family lots may have one primary dwelling + one ADU + one JADU.
Building/zoning violations under OC Code §7-9-150 and California Building Code: administrative citation $100 first, $200 second, $500 each subsequent (Gov Code §53069.4). Unpermitted construction also subject to stop-work orders and double permit fees. Health & safety violations may be misdemeanors.
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See how Orange County's adu rules rules stack up against other locations.
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