Compare ADU zoning rules across 18 California cities. Average ADU score: 8.0/10.
| City | Max Size | Setbacks | Permit Fees | Build Cost | 1BR Rent | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anaheim | 1,200 sq ft | 4 ft | $3,500-$12,000 | $130,000-$290,000 | $1,700-$2,300/mo | 7/10 |
| Berkeley | 1,200 sq ft outside the Hillside Overlay; 850 sq ft (studio/1-bedroom) or 1,000 sq ft (2+ bedrooms) within the Hillside Overlay | 4 ft minimum | $250 zoning plan check + $500 neighbor noticing fee at submittal + $250 address assignment; building permit fees based on project valuation (city fee estimator tool available) | $250,000-$500,000 | $2,300-$2,900/mo | 9/10 |
| Fontana | 1200 sq ft | 4 ft minimum (detached new construction) | Waived for ADUs under 750 sq ft; fee applies for larger units (amount varies) | $160,000-$270,000 | $1,300-$1,700 | 8/10 |
| Fresno | 1,200 sq ft | 4 ft | $2,500-$8,000 | $80,000-$200,000 | $1,000-$1,400/mo | 7/10 |
| Long Beach | 1,200 sq ft | 4 ft | $3,000-$10,000 | $120,000-$280,000 | $1,500-$2,100/mo | 8/10 |
| Los Angeles | 1,200 sq ft | 4 ft for units ≤16 ft height | $4,000-$15,000 depending on size and type (plus 10% General Plan Maintenance Surcharge on permit fees as of June 9, 2026) | $150,000-$350,000 | $1,800-$2,500/mo | 9/10 |
| Oakland | 1,200 sq ft | 4 ft | $4,000-$15,000 | $160,000-$380,000 | $1,800-$2,600/mo | 8/10 |
| Ontario | 850 sq ft (studio/1-bedroom); 1,000 sq ft (2+ bedrooms) — per Ontario ADU Handout (Rev. 01.21.2025) | 4 ft minimum | $3,000-$6,000 estimated (building permit + plan check); minimum $47.50 per state | $180,000-$300,000 | $1,400-$1,800 | 8/10 |
| Pasadena | 1,200 sq ft (new construction on single-family lots); limited to 1,000 sq ft in most Hillside Overlay districts | 4 ft for new construction; none for conversions of existing structures | Roughly $5,000-$15,000 total permitting cost depending on size (builder estimates); flat refundable $1,000 Construction & Demolition deposit. Confirm exact figures with Pasadena Permit Center, (626) 744-7311 | $180,000-$400,000 | $2,200-$2,900/mo | 7/10 |
| Rancho Cucamonga | 1200 sq ft | 4 ft minimum (detached new construction) | Permit fees exist but exact amounts not published online; contact city for current schedule | $170,000-$290,000 | $1,400-$1,800 | 8/10 |
| Riverside | 1,200 sq ft (at least 850 sq ft is guaranteed regardless of lot-coverage standards) | 4 ft maximum (detached new construction) | $3,000-$9,000 typical (building permit + plan check); impact fees scale for units over 750 sq ft | $170,000-$280,000 | $1,300-$1,700 | 8/10 |
| Sacramento | 1,200 sq ft | 4 ft | $3,000-$10,000 | $100,000-$250,000 | $1,300-$1,800/mo | 8/10 |
| San Bernardino | 1200 sq ft; reduces to 800 sq ft if lot coverage exceeded | 4 ft minimum (detached new construction) | $3,000-$12,000 estimated (building permit + plan check; varies by size) | $160,000-$280,000 | $1,300-$1,700 | 8/10 |
| San Diego | 1,200 sq ft | 4 ft | $3,500-$12,000 | $120,000-$300,000 | $1,600-$2,200/mo | 9/10 |
| San Francisco | 1,200 sq ft (state minimum; local program caps at 850-1,000 sq ft) | 4 ft minimum | $5,000-$20,000 depending on scope | $200,000-$450,000 | $2,200-$3,200/mo | 9/10 |
| San Jose | 1,200 sq ft | 4 ft | $4,000-$14,000 | $180,000-$400,000 | $2,000-$2,800/mo | 8/10 |
| Santa Ana | 1,000 sq ft | 4 ft | $3,500-$12,000 | $130,000-$300,000 | $1,700-$2,300/mo | 7/10 |
| Santa Monica | 850 sq ft (studio/1-bedroom) or 1,200 sq ft (2+ bedrooms) | 4 ft; none for conversions of existing structures (including pre-Jan 1, 2020 unpermitted structures being legalized) | Valuation-based plan check and building permit fees paid through Citizen Access; confirm current totals with Santa Monica Building & Safety via the 311 system | $250,000-$500,000 | $3,000-$3,700/mo | 8/10 |
Building on land outside city limits? Unincorporated county areas follow the county's ADU code, not a city's. We cover these California counties:
ADU rules for unincorporated San Bernardino County — county-regulated land outside any city.
View county rules →ADU rules for unincorporated Riverside County — county-regulated land outside any city.
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