As long as we keep a 4 foot distance from your property line and 10 foot distance for any other existing structure we are allowed to build on whatever space is left over. Attached ADUs and extensions to garage conversion also have to meet the same setbacks.

ADUs must comply with all requirements for water, sewer, gas, electrical, plumbing, health, and life safety standards outlined in the Municipal Code for Accessory Dwelling Units.

Parking for a newly constructed ADU is not required when it is located within one-half mile walking distance of a public transit. Replacement parking is not required when covered parking is removed in conjunction with the construction of the ADU. 

You need to ensure easy and safe access for the people that will occupy the ADU. It should also be clutter-free between your home and the property line, and you have to consider direct access to a street via a lighted pedestrian path.

It will all depend upon who is staying there. In renting to strangers, you may have to install privacy screens such as plants, trees, fencing, and fit window blinds for the living arrangement to be as comfortable as possible for the tenants staying there.

In general, you shouldn’t have to install any new utilities. You can usually tap into the water from piping, and you probably won’t have to own other service meters. If you choose to separate the water and power, then you can at an additional cost. 

The existing service to typical single-family residences is usually sufficient to support a Backyard ADU. On the contrary, ADU Resource Center will work with you to upgrade the necessary services to support the ADU.

You can have separate meters for water and electric service, but it will cost more to install. You can also install ”sub-meters” as a lower-cost alternative.