Pomona, CA Accessory Structures: ADU Rules (2026)

Sec. A implements California's ADU statutes (Government Code Sec. 22) locally. A conforming ADU or JADU cannot be deemed inconsistent with the General Plan or zoning designation, cannot be counted against allowable density, and is not subject to growth-control ordinances. Two ministerial approval tracks exist. Type 1, Building-Permit-Only, covers an Interior ADU plus a JADU built within an existing or proposed single-unit dwelling or accessory structure, and a Limited Detached ADU up to 800 square feet with at least 4-foot side and rear setbacks; these need only a building permit, no discretionary review.

Type 2, Building-Permit-Only, covers everything else and applies the Specific ADU Requirements of Sec. 6: a detached or attached ADU on a lot under 7,200 square feet is capped at 850 square feet for a studio or one-bedroom unit or 1,000 square feet for two or more bedrooms, while a lot of 7,200 square feet or more allows up to 1,200 square feet. No application may be shrunk below 800 square feet by front-yard, lot-coverage, or open-space rules. Height is capped at 16 feet for a detached ADU on a single- or multi-family lot, 18 feet within a half-mile of a major transit stop, 20 feet if needed to match the primary dwelling's roof pitch, and 25 feet, or the underlying zone's limit if lower, for an attached ADU, which can never exceed two stories.

The City must approve or deny a completed application within 60 days or it is deemed approved. No off-street parking is required for any ADU, and impact fees are waived entirely for ADUs of 749 square feet or less.