Bay Area region / California
East Palo Alto ADU rules
& permit guide.
Planning an ADU in East Palo Alto? 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
Min ADU: 150 square feet Max ADU (detached): 1000 square feet Max ADU (attached or contained within a primary dwelling): 50% of the primary dwelling, provided this does not prohibit an 800 sq ft attached ADU (state law allows an ADU up to 800 square feet on every property, with some exceptions) Max JADU: 500 square feet
Height
Attached ADUs: up to 25 feet or the maximum allowed by the underlying zoning, whichever is lower (allows for ADUs built above an attached garage) Detached ADUs within a ½ mile walking distance from a major transit stop: up to 18 feet plus an additional 2 feet to accommodate a roof pitch that is aligned with the primary house (allows for two-story ADUs) ADUs on Two-Family and Multi-Family properties with existing/proposed multistory dwellings: up to 18 feet All other ADUs: 17 feet
Setbacks
New Construction: 4 feet side/rear setbacks Converted Structures: Same setbacks as the existing structure Setbacks must comply with any recorded easements or setback restrictions If an 800 square foot ADU does not fit in the rear or side yard, the ADU may be allowed in the front yard
Parking
JADUs: No new parking required. If converting a garage to a JADU, replacement parking is required for the main home. ADUs: Generally additional off-street parking is not required for ADUs. Talk to Planning staff to confirm parking requirements for your property and project. • If converting a garage to an ADU, replacement parking is not required. • Second driveways are allowed for single-family corner lots.
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 East Palo Alto'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?