ADU Rules: Delano vs Ridgecrest
How do adu rules rules compare between Delano, CA and Ridgecrest, CA?
Ridgecrest has fewer restrictions than Delano.
Delano, CA
Kern County
Delano follows California ADU law (Gov't Code §§65852.2, 65852.22) and allows one ADU plus one JADU per single-family lot. Detached ADUs may be up to 1,200 sq ft and 16 feet tall; JADUs are capped at 500 sq ft.
View full Delano rules →Ridgecrest, CA
Kern County
Ridgecrest follows California Government Code §65852.2 for ADUs. Detached ADUs are allowed up to 1,200 square feet and 16 feet in height; attached ADUs may be 25 feet tall to match the primary dwelling. New-construction ADUs need only a 4-foot rear and side setback. ADUs under 750 sq ft are exempt from impact fees, and fire sprinklers are not required unless the primary residence already has them.
View full Ridgecrest rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Delano | Ridgecrest |
|---|---|---|
| Max ADU Size | 1,200 sq ft | - |
| Max JADU Size | 500 sq ft | - |
| Max Detached Height | 16 ft | - |
| Side/Rear Setback | 4 ft | - |
| Governing Law | - | Cal. Gov't Code §65852.2 |
| Max Detached ADU | - | 1,200 sq ft, 16 ft tall |
| Min Setback (new) | - | 4 ft side and rear |
| Impact Fees | - | Waived under 750 sq ft |
| Review Timeline | - | 60 days (ministerial) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Delano FAQ
Is parking required for an ADU?
No, if the ADU is within ½ mile of public transit or part of an existing structure.
Ridgecrest FAQ
Can I build an ADU in Ridgecrest, CA?
Yes. The City of Ridgecrest allows one ADU plus one JADU on any single-family lot under California Government Code §65852.2. Review is ministerial and must be completed within 60 days of a complete application.
How big can a Ridgecrest ADU be?
Detached ADUs can be up to 1,200 square feet. Attached ADUs are limited to 50% of the primary dwelling or 1,200 sq ft, whichever is less. The state-mandated minimum height for detached ADUs is 16 feet (18 feet near transit).
Do I need to pay impact fees for a Ridgecrest ADU?
Not for ADUs under 750 sq ft — they are exempt from city impact fees under state law. ADUs 750 sq ft and larger pay impact fees proportional to the size of the primary dwelling, but they are not charged the full fee schedule.
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