Accessory Structures in Fullerton, CA (2026)
4 verified accessory structures rules for Fullerton, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Fullerton allows one accessory dwelling unit and one junior ADU on any lot zoned for single-family or multifamily use, including O-P lots with an existing house. Detached ADUs top out at 1,200 square feet and 16 to 18 feet in height, with the city required to approve or deny complete applications within 60 days.
Fullerton ADU Zoning and Size Rules
Some RestrictionsFullerton Code of Ordinances § 15.17.100(D)
(D) Allowed zones. An ADU is permitted on any lot where single-family or multifamily dwellings are a permitted use including planned residential development districts and specific plan areas. An ADU is also allowed on a lot where a single-family or multifamily dwellings are a conditionally permitted use, provided that the lot contains or will contain either a single-unit or multifamily dwelli...
ADU Impact Fees
Fullerton charges no impact fee on an accessory dwelling unit under 750 square feet. Larger ADUs pay impact fees proportional to the primary dwelling's square footage, and connection or capacity charges only apply when the ADU is built alongside a new single-family home.
Fullerton ADU Impact Fee Rules
Some RestrictionsFullerton Code of Ordinances § 15.17.100(C)(2)
(2) Impact fees. (a) No impact fee shall be imposed on any ADU less than 750 square feet in size. (b) For ADUs 750 square feet or greater, impact fees shall be charged proportionately in relation to the square footage of the primary dwelling. (c) All applicable public service and recreation impact fees shall be paid prior to occupancy in accordance with Cal. G...
ADU Rental Restrictions
Fullerton bars renting an accessory dwelling unit or junior ADU for stints shorter than 31 days, closing off short-term and vacation rental use of these units citywide.
Fullerton ADU 31-Day Minimum Rental Rule
Some RestrictionsFullerton Code of Ordinances § 15.17.100(I)
(I) ADUs as transient lodging. Except as provided in division (H)(3), ADUs and JADUs may not be rented for periods of less than 31 days.
Shed & Carport Rules
A detached, non-habitable accessory structure such as a shed can sit right on the side or rear property line if it stays under 600 square feet and no more than ten feet tall there; cross either threshold and the shed must pull back to the same setback line required for the main house, under Fullerton Municipal Code section 15.17.030(I).
Fullerton Accessory Building and Shed Setbacks
Some RestrictionsFullerton Code of Ordinances § 15.17.030(I)(2)(c)1
1. If less than 600 square feet in area and not more than ten feet in height at the property line, it shall be exempt from side and rear yard setback requirements for the main building on the property, provided all drainage is directed to the property on which the building is located and the building meets applicable fire separation requirements per the City Building Code. Within a required s...
Looking for Orange County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Fullerton city rules.
Accessory Structures in Orange County →