Bay Area region / California
Berkeley ADU rules
& permit guide.
Berkeley permits ADUs in residential-use zoning districts, including qualifying single-family and multifamily properties. ADU development standards are reviewed through the building permit process. The city provides an information sheet and a gallery of preapproved designs.
Editorial review 2026-09-07 · View sources
The local detail to check first
Before you choose a design
The city's combined additions/ADU webpage covers two different project types. Use the ADU section and ADU standards for your project.
Local requirements at a glance
Min/max ADU size
Use the city source for the size standard that matches your ADU type and approval path.
Height
Confirm height with the city; building type, approval path and transit location can matter.
Setbacks
Confirm side, rear and front setbacks, plus access and fire requirements, using the city source.
Parking
Confirm the applicable parking exemption with the city. HCD's current handbook explains the state exemptions and replacement-parking rules.
Process
Look up zoning and special conditions in the city's parcel records. Review the ADU information sheet and applicable development standards. Submit the building permit through Permits Online or the Permit Service Center.
Your next three steps
- Look up zoning and special conditions in the city's parcel records.
- Review the ADU information sheet and applicable development standards.
- Submit the building permit through Permits Online or the Permit Service Center.
2026 state-law context
ADUs and JADUs have different occupancy rules
California generally prohibits local owner-occupancy requirements for ADUs. A narrow exception applies to certain separately sold affordable ADUs. For JADUs, owner occupancy generally applies when the bathroom is shared with the main home; separate-bathroom JADUs are treated differently under 2026 law. Check the HCD handbook and your project's permit conditions.
Older local summaries may not reflect the latest state changes. Read HCD’s March 2026 handbook, pages 32–33.
Questions for your first planning conversation
- Which approval path applies to my building and ADU type?
- Do easements, trees, slope, access or fire conditions affect placement?
- Which utility upgrades and agency reviews should be included in my budget?
- Are preapproved plans available, and what site work still needs review?