Multi-Family Accessory Dwelling Units (MFADU)

An accessory dwelling unit (ADU) or junior accessory dwelling unit can be permitted if located on a lot zoned for multi-family residential use (including residential mixed-use). You can also convert existing non-habitable space into ADUs.

New Detached ADUs

You are permitted to build up to two new detached ADUs provided each detached ADU is no more than 16 feet in height and has side and rear yard setbacks of at least four feet.

Conversion ADUs

In addition to the allowed detached units, you may also convert existing non-livable space in the multifamily structure.  The minimum number of ADU conversions allowed is up to a maximum of 25% of the number of existing multifamily units.  

Development Standards

Entrances:  The main entrance to an attached ADU. May not be located on the front of the primary unit.

Second Story Units.  New second-story windows in an ADU that are 25 feet or less from a property line shall incorporate at least one of the following:

  1. The proposed second-story window of the ADU shall be positioned such that the windowsill is at least five feet above the finished floor; or
  2. The proposed second-story window of the ADU shall utilize frosted or obscured glass in the glazing portion of the window (i.e., glass that is patterned or textured such that objects, shapes, and patterns beyond the glass are not easily distinguishable).

Colors and Materials. A JADU shall have matching colors and materials as the primary dwelling unit (i.e., use of the same wall and trim material or wall and trim material that visually appears the same as the primary dwelling unit, including color and texture).

Fire Sprinkler Requirements. ADUs and JADUs shall not be required to include fire sprinklers if they are not required for the primary residence.

When a garage is converted to an ADU, the garage door shall be removed and replaced with either windows or a door (provided the door does not face the street if it is an attached ADU). Windows and doors shall be of the same size, proportion, and spacing as the primary dwelling unit.

A solid fence six feet in height or vegetative screening/plantings of species with a mature height of at least ten feet shall be located or constructed along interior side and rear property lines adjacent to the ADU if the ADU is located less than ten feet from respective property lines.

CONVERTED ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS

  1. Unit Size
    1. Minimum unit size: 150 sq. ft.
    2. Maximum unit size: 850 square feet for a studio or one-bedroom unit and 1,200 square feet for an ADU with two or more bedrooms.
      1. When the ADU is from the conversion of existing space, these size limits do not apply.
  2. Setback Requirements:
    1. Front Setbacks:   Required as specified in the established and applicable zone district.
    2. Side & Rear Setback:  Minimum setback shall be four feet or the setback for the applicable zone district, whichever is less.
    3. If a detached ADU would be constructed in the same location and to the same dimensions as an existing structure, the ADU may maintain the same setbacks as the existing structure.
  3. Building Height:  The heigh of the ADU shall not exceed the height of the main unit or 16 feet, whichever is greater.
  4. Building Separation. No minimum building separation requirement.
  5. Separate Access. An accessory dwelling unit shall provide separate exterior access from the existing primary residence. Entry doors cannot be on the same façade as the entry door of the primary residence, unless this requirement prevents creation of the accessory dwelling unit.
  6. Windows and Doors for Historic Properties. Windows and doors (including opening and garage doors) for historic properties that are original to the structure are required to be retained, unless this requirement prevents creation of the accessory dwelling unit.

NEWLY CONSTRUCTED ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS

  1. Unit Size.
    1. Minimum unit size: 150 square feet in size.
    2. Maximum unit size: 850 square feet for a studio or one-bedroom unit and 1,200 square feet for an ADU with two or more bedrooms.
    3. An addition of up to 150 square feet to accommodate ingress and egress for an ADU created from the conversion of an existing accessory structure shall be exempt from the maximum size standards.
  2. Setback Requirements:  
    1. Front Setbacks:   Required as specified in the established and applicable zone district.
    2. Side & Rear Setback:  Minimum setback shall be four feet or the setback for the applicable zone district, whichever is less.
  3. Site Planning. A detached accessory dwelling unit shall be located behind the street-facing façade of the primary unit.
  4. Building Separation. A minimum building separation of six feet shall be maintained (eave to eave) between the primary residence and detached accessory dwelling unit.