Accessory Dwelling Units

ADU-Roadmap.pdf(PDF, 1MB)

FAQs

What is an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)?
An ADU, commonly referred to as a granny flat, back house, or garage conversion, is a residential dwelling unit that provides complete independent living facilities for one or more persons and is located on a lot with a proposed or existing primary residence or residences. It shall include permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation as well as an entrance separate from the primary residence. Only one ADU is permitted per single-family residential lot (along with one JADU). An ADU may not be sold separately from the primary residence.

Where can ADU's be built?
ADUs are permitted on any property zoned for single-family or multifamily residential use.

What is a Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit (JADU)?
A Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit is a unit that is no more than 500 square feet in size and created within the walls of a proposed or existing single-family residence. A JADU shall include a permanent kitchen and sleeping facilities as well as its own separate entrance. JADUs may share a bathroom with the primary dwelling or have their own. Only one JADU is permitted per single-family residential lot (along with one ADU).

Where can JADU's be built?
JADUs are permitted on any property zoned for single-family residential use.

Development Standards

ADUs:

  • All exterior features, including windows, color, materials, and roof must match primary dwelling design
  • Unit Size
    • Minimum unit size: 150 sqft
    • Maximum unit size: 1000 sqft
  • Minimum 4 foot set back from property line
  • Maximum height – 16ft
  • If greater than 500 sqft, the ADU's kitchen must include:
    • A 22-inch sink with garbage disposal
    • An opening that will accommodate a 69-inch by 30-inch by 29-inch refrigerator
    • A four-element stove
    • 15-square feet of counter space
  • If less than 500 sqft, and ADU's kitchen must include:
    • A 15-inch sink with garbage disposal and a one and one-half-inch waste line
    • A opening which will accommodate a 62-inch by 25-inch by 28-inch refrigerator
    • A two-element electronic stove of 120 volts
    • 10- square feet of counter space

JADUs:

  • All exterior features, including windows, color, materials, and roof must match primary dwelling design
  • Unit Size
    • Minimum unit size: 150 sqft
    • Maximum unit size: 500 sqft
  • 4 foot setback from property line
  • Maximum height – 16 ft.
  • Must be connected to primary dwelling

For all development standards please refer to the Chapter 16.333 of the Claremont Municipal Code or contact the Planning Department. *Note that if an ADU/JADU is located less than 8-feet away from property line, those sides of the structure may not have any exterior entrances, nor can they have window lower than six feet above ground level.

Application Requirements

The ADU application can be found on the Planning Permits, Fees, & Forms page.

Before submitting your application, there are several application requirements. These include:

  • Complete application (including notarized signature of the property owner)
  • Site Plan (must show all existing and proposed structures, parking and existing mature trees)
  • Floor plan of the proposed ADU (and existing structure, if converting)
  • Elevation Plans
  • Specifications/cut sheets for all roof materials, windows, exterior doors, and exterior fixtures
  • Photos of primary residence
  • Preliminary Title Report
  • Statement describing intended occupant (i.e. renter, family member) and estimate month rent (if applicable)
  • Landscape Plan for the area adjacent to the Second Unit (if applicable)

To submit an application, please contact the Planning Division at (909) 399-5470 or in person at City Hall.

CalHFA's ADU Grant Program

The CalHFA ADU Grant Program provides up to $40,000 to reimburse pre-development and non-reoccurring closing costs associated with the construction of an ADU. Pre-development costs include site prep, architectural designs, permits, soil tests, impact fees, property survey, and energy reports.

Eligible Homeowners must have a low or moderate income.

For additional information or to apply, please refer to the CalHFA website.

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