ADU Rules: El Cerrito vs Oakley
How do adu rules rules compare between El Cerrito, CA and Oakley, CA?
El Cerrito has fewer restrictions than Oakley.
El Cerrito, CA
Contra Costa County
Contra Costa County allows one ADU and one JADU on any residential lot by ministerial permit, consistent with AB 68/AB 881 and Gov. Code 65852.2. Detached ADUs up to 800 sq ft with 4-foot setbacks are permitted as of right, with 60-day review, no impact fees under 750 sq ft, and no replacement parking required near transit.
View full El Cerrito rules →Oakley, CA
Contra Costa County
Oakley complies with California Gov Code §65852.2 (statewide ADU law). Single-family lots may have one ADU plus one JADU. Maximum ADU size: 1,200 sq ft; no minimum lot size restriction. Setbacks: 4 ft from side/rear property lines (new detached ADU). Minimum height: 16 ft. ADUs under 750 sq ft are exempt from impact fees. ADU permit applications processed in 60 days maximum.
View full Oakley rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | El Cerrito | Oakley |
|---|---|---|
| Units allowed | 1 ADU + 1 JADU per lot | - |
| Max detached ADU size | 800 sq ft ministerial; up to 1,200 sq ft | - |
| Setbacks | 4 ft side/rear (state minimum) | 4 ft rear and side (new detached ADU) |
| Processing time | 60 days ministerial | - |
| Short-term rental | Prohibited for ADUs (<30 days) | - |
| Max ADU Size | - | 1,200 sq ft (detached) |
| Minimum Height | - | 16 ft for detached ADU |
| Impact Fees | - | Exempt for ADUs under 750 sq ft |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
El Cerrito FAQ
Do I need to provide a parking space for my new ADU?
No, if your property is within half a mile of public transit, in a historic district, or the ADU is a conversion of an existing garage. Otherwise one space is required, which can be in a driveway tandem.
Can I rent my ADU on Airbnb?
No. State law allows counties to prohibit ADU rentals under 30 days, and Contra Costa prohibits short-term rentals of ADUs.
Oakley FAQ
Can I build an ADU on my property in Oakley?
Oakley complies with California Gov Code §65852.2 (statewide ADU law). Single-family lots may have one ADU plus one JADU. Maximum ADU size: 1,200 sq ft; no minimum lot size restriction. Setbacks: 4 ft from side/rear property lines (new detached ADU). Minimum height: 16 ft. ADUs under 750 sq ft...
What are the size limits for an accessory dwelling unit in Oakley?
Max ADU Size: 1,200 sq ft (detached). Setbacks: 4 ft rear and side (new detached ADU). Minimum Height: 16 ft for detached ADU. Impact Fees: Exempt for ADUs under 750 sq ft.
Compare other topics
See how El Cerrito and Oakley compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool