ADU rules in Palo Alto, CA — also called accessory dwelling unit regulations or granny flat ordinances — cover setbacks, owner-occupancy, parking, and permit requirements.
Palo Alto regulates ADUs and JADUs under Palo Alto Municipal Code §18.42.040 (with updated provisions in PAMC Chapter 18.09). Attached ADUs are capped at 850 sq ft for studio/one-bedroom or 1,000 sq ft for two-or-more bedrooms, and may not exceed 50% of the primary dwelling. JADUs are limited to 500 sq ft within the existing single-family dwelling.
PAMC §18.42.040 provides for ministerial approval of ADUs and JADUs that meet the section's objective standards. The maximum height for a one-story ADU is 17 feet, reduced to 16 feet for properties located in an Eichler Tract identified in the adopted Palo Alto Eichler Neighborhood Design Guidelines. Side and rear setbacks for new construction follow state ADU law's 4-foot minimum, while front setbacks follow the underlying zone. No additional parking is required for an ADU. An ADU located within an existing accessory structure may expand by up to 150 sq ft beyond the structure's physical dimensions solely to accommodate ingress and egress. Prior to issuance of the building permit, owners record a deed restriction prohibiting separate sale of the ADU from the single-family residence and prohibiting use of the ADU for short-term rentals.
Unpermitted ADUs are code violations enforced by Palo Alto Planning & Development Services, with stop-work orders, fines, and required compliance. Operating an ADU as a short-term rental violates the recorded deed restriction and PAMC §18.42.040.
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