Accessory Dwelling Units
An accessory dwelling unit (ADU), also known as a "secondary unit" or a "granny flat", is a residential unit that can be added to a lot with an existing single-family home or multi-family dwellings.
The County offers two types of ADU applications: Standard and Pre-Reviewed.
Click on either option for further information and instructions on how to apply.
ADUs are excluded within the Cambria Community Services District boundary and within the Los Osos Groundwater Basin boundary and/or within the Los Osos Groundwater Basin Plan Area.
Click here to view excluded areas on a map
The County's Coastal ADU Ordinance may be found here: 23.080.169 - Residential Accessory Dwelling Units (S-8-P)
The County's Inland ADU Ordinance may be found here: 22.30.470 - Residential - Accessory Dwellings.
The Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) below may help answer further questions.
Standard ADU Application
There are two (2) different Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) or Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit (JADU) options for single-family dwellings and two (2) different ADU options for multi-family dwellings. As you click on the type, further detail will be provided. Only one option may be used on any given parcel.
Pre-Reviewed ADU Program Application
The County offers a Pre-Reviewed ADU Program where Residential Single-Family customers choose from County reviewed plans, allowing for a more cost-effective and streamlined process. Though these plans are free, customers will still need to hire an engineer or architect for additional site-specific items.
Disclaimer
This guide serves to help you determine whether an accessory dwelling unit (“ADU”) can be established on a parcel or lot (“site”) under the State ADU Law. Although many of the factors that must be considered in ADU development are included in this guide, on any given site, there may be circumstances specific to the site or requirements from other agencies/departments that may require attention or prevent ADU development. Nothing in this guide shall be misconstrued or interpreted to guarantee approval of an application to establish ADU(s).
This guide does not replace or supersede the provisions of applicable laws, codes, and policies. Where the information in this guide conflicts with applicable laws, codes, and policies, the provisions of the applicable laws, codes, and policies shall control.
FAQs
An attached or detached residential dwelling unit that provides complete independent living facilities for one (1) or more persons and is located on a lot with a proposed or existing primary residence. It shall include permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation on the same parcel as the single-family or multi-family dwelling is or will be situated.
An ADU also includes the following:
- An efficiency unit.
- A manufactured home, as defined in Section 18007 of the Health and Safety Code.
ADUs may be permitted in the following land use categories:
|
AG |
CR |
OP |
REC |
RL |
RMF |
RR |
RS |
RSF |
ADUs shall not be allowed within the following areas:
- Regional Water Quality Control Board Exclusion
- All areas of the County where the Regional Water Quality Control Board has issued a notice of resource constraints through moratoria or other means.
- Within the Cambria Community Services District boundary
- Within the Los Osos Groundwater Basin boundary and/or within the Los Osos Groundwater Basin Plan Area.
COMMUNITY WATER
A will-serve letter from the water purveyor will be required. Note: Some water purveyors, such as Cambria CSD, may not be issuing any new water connections. Please contact the water purveyor directly for more information.
ONSITE WELL
A well test in compliance with Section 19.07.040(b) will be required.
SITES SERVED BY COMMUNITY SEWER
A will-serve letter from the wastewater service provider will be required. Note: Some wastewater service providers, such as Cambria CSD, may not be issuing any new wastewater connections. Please contact the wastewater service provider directly for more information.
SITE SERVED BY ONSITE WASTEWATER TREATMENT SYSTEMS
Sites served by onsite wastewater treatment systems (such as septic systems) will have to satisfy the requirements of the Building Code (Title 19), which may include standards for lot size. For sites served by onsite wastewater treatment systems, such as septic systems, please contact planning staff to determine if those requirements, which may include lot size standards, can be satisfied.
Phone: (805) 781-5600
Email: [email protected]
The installation of fire sprinklers will not be required in an ADU if fire sprinklers are not required for the primary residence. However, if the ADU is attached to other structures that require fire sprinklers, installation of fire sprinklers may be required.
It would depend on the contract language. Contracts should be review by Planning on a case-by-case basis.