ADU rules in San Joaquin County, CA — also called accessory dwelling unit regulations or granny flat ordinances — cover setbacks, owner-occupancy, parking, and permit requirements.
San Joaquin County permits ADUs by right in residential zones under state law (CA Gov. Code §65852.2) and Development Title 9. Detached ADUs up to 16 ft, attached ADUs up to 25 ft; 4 ft rear/side setbacks; one ADU + one JADU per single-family lot. ADUs <750 sq ft exempt from impact fees.
SJC Development Title 9 Series 200 implements state ADU law. Detached ADUs on single-family lots are allowed up to 16 feet in height; attached ADUs up to 25 feet. When more than 50% of ADU floor area is above a garage, maximum combined height is 25 feet. Minimum setbacks: 4 feet from rear and interior side property lines for new construction; conversions of existing structures are exempt from setbacks. Maximum ADU floor area is 800 sq ft; minimum is 150 sq ft. ADUs under 750 sq ft are exempt from impact fees. One ADU and one JADU allowed per single-family lot. County has a 60-day ministerial review maximum. Owner-occupancy not required under AB 2221. Contact Community Development at (209) 468-2193.
Unpermitted ADU: stop-work order, retroactive permit, and fines.
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See how San Joaquin County's adu rules rules stack up against other locations.
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