Bay Area region / California
Brisbane ADU rules
& permit guide.
Planning an ADU in Brisbane? Review local size, setback and parking requirements, then confirm the details for your property with the permitting agency.
Local source collected 2026-05-20 · View sources
Local requirements at a glance
Min/max ADU size
No Minimum Max ADU New construction: 1,000 square feet Max ADU Conversion: 1,000 square feet Max JADU: 500 square feet
Height
Max. two stories. Overall max. height dependent on underlying zoning district
Setbacks
Front: Dependent on underlying zoning district Rear: 4 feet Side: 4 feet on lots 40 feet or more in width, otherwise dependent on the underlying zoning district
Parking
JADUs & ADUs in R-1, R-2, R-3, NCRO-2, SCRO-1, PAOZ-1, or PAOZ-2 Districts: No parking required ADUs in R-BA and PD Districts: One spot may be required. No parking required if: ½ mile walking distance from public transit in a historic district one block from a car-share vehicle, or on-street parking permits are required but not offered to ADU occupant
Process
Confirm your parcel and ADU type with the local planning department, prepare the required plans, and follow the city's building permit checklist. Ask which utility, fire and site reviews apply before submitting.
Your next three steps
- Confirm the property's jurisdiction, zoning and site constraints with Brisbane's planning department.
- Discuss the ADU type, dimensions and utility needs with your designer before finalizing a layout.
- Ask the permitting agency for its current application checklist, fee estimate and review process.
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?