Types
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)
Also: ADU · granny flat · in-law unit · casita · backyard home
An accessory dwelling unit (ADU) is a second, independent home on a single-family or multifamily lot, with its own kitchen, bathroom, and entrance. In California it can be detached, attached, or converted from existing space, and can be rented separately from the main house.
Across the Sacramento region a single-family lot can typically hold one ADU plus one Junior ADU. ADUs are permitted ministerially (by-right) under state law, which is why they avoid the discretionary review a normal home addition can trigger.
Go deeper:What is an ADU? Full explainer · ADU services & build types
Related terms
Back to the ADU glossary.