ADU Rules: Berkeley vs San Leandro
How do adu rules rules compare between Berkeley, CA and San Leandro, CA?
Berkeley and San Leandro have similar restriction levels.
Berkeley, CA
Alameda County
Berkeley regulates ADUs and JADUs under Berkeley Municipal Code Chapter 23.306. One ADU plus one JADU is allowed per single-family lot citywide (Hillside Overlay allows one ADU OR one JADU). New detached ADUs are limited to 16 feet in height, with a 4-foot minimum side and rear setback, and JADUs are capped at 500 sq ft within the existing dwelling.
View full Berkeley rules →San Leandro, CA
Alameda County
San Leandro must allow ADUs citywide under CA Gov Code 65852.2. Up to 1,200 sq ft detached or 50 percent of primary for attached, with streamlined ministerial approval.
View full San Leandro rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Berkeley | San Leandro |
|---|---|---|
| Code Section | BMC 23.306 (Development Standards 23.306.030) | - |
| Units Allowed | 1 ADU + 1 JADU per single-family lot | - |
| Side/Rear Setback | 4 ft (new construction) | - |
| JADU Max Size | 500 sq ft (within dwelling) | - |
| STR Use | Prohibited by deed restriction | - |
| Max Size | - | 1,200 sq ft detached |
| Setbacks | - | 4 ft side/rear |
| Review | - | 60 days ministerial |
| Parking | - | None near transit |
| JADU | - | Up to 500 sq ft |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Berkeley FAQ
How many ADUs can I build in Berkeley?
Under BMC 23.306, a single-family lot may have one ADU plus one JADU. In the Hillside Overlay, the limit is one ADU or one JADU (not both).
Do I need a public hearing for a Berkeley ADU?
No. State law requires ministerial review without a public hearing based on objective criteria, and BMC 23.306 implements that standard for Berkeley.
Can I rent my Berkeley ADU as a short-term rental?
No. A recorded deed restriction required by BMC 23.306 prohibits short-term rental use (under 14 days) of any ADU or JADU.
San Leandro FAQ
Can San Leandro reject my ADU if it meets state standards?
No. If your ADU meets Gov Code 65852.2 standards, approval is ministerial and must be issued within 60 days.
Do I need to add parking for my ADU?
Not if the property is within half a mile of public transit, which covers most of San Leandro near BART and AC Transit corridors.
Compare other topics
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