ADU rules in Tulare, CA — also called accessory dwelling unit regulations or granny flat ordinances — cover setbacks, owner-occupancy, parking, and permit requirements.
Tulare allows one accessory dwelling unit (ADU) per single-family parcel in R-1, R-M, and R-H zones under TMC § 10.60.030, plus one junior ADU under § 10.60.040. The city mirrors state law: minimum 4 ft side/rear setbacks, no local development standard (lot coverage, FAR, open space, minimum lot size) may block an ADU up to 800 sq ft. Detached ADUs may be up to 16 ft tall; attached ADUs may match the primary dwelling height up to 25 ft. Conversions of existing space are exempt from setback rules under Gov. Code § 65852.2.
TMC § 10.60.030 governs ADUs on parcels containing an existing or proposed single-family home in the R-1, R-M, or R-H zone districts. One new construction ADU is allowed per single-family parcel, and the parcel may also include one junior ADU (JADU) under § 10.60.040. On parcels with existing multi-family structures, two new construction ADUs plus at least one conversion ADU are allowed per parcel; conversion ADUs may equal up to 25% of existing dwellings in the structure. Minimum side and rear setback is 4 ft regardless of zone. No lot coverage, floor area ratio, open space, or minimum lot size requirement may preclude an ADU up to 800 sq ft. Per the city's published ADU rules and Gov. Code § 65852.2(c), the maximum allowable floor area is 800 sq ft on single-family parcels; minimum is 150 sq ft (statutory efficiency unit floor). Detached ADUs are capped at 16 ft; attached ADUs may rise to 25 ft (matching primary dwelling). An ADU may not be built unless a main dwelling exists on the site or is built in conjunction. State law (SB 9, Gov. Code § 65852.21) also permits urban lot splits and duplex projects on qualifying R-1 lots, which Tulare must process ministerially.
Building an ADU without permits, exceeding 800 sq ft size cap without separate discretionary review, or violating the 4-ft side/rear setback can trigger building code enforcement, stop-work orders, and required removal or modification under TMC Title 15 (Buildings and Construction). The city cannot impose setback, lot coverage, FAR, or minimum lot size requirements that would block a ≤800 sq ft ADU on a residentially zoned parcel.
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