Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU's & JADU's)

ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS (ADU) OR JUNIOR ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS (JADU)

Learn about standards, regulations, and zoning reviews.
 

Read the City of Placerville’s current ADU and JADU standards, which went into effect on February 23, 2024. The City’s ADU and JADU Ordinance (Section 10-4-12) allows ADUs on properties located in a zoning district that permits residential use and provides development standards based on the location of the property. The ADU and JADU FAQ Sheet provides a summary of development standards, as well as answers frequently asked questions related to the permit process and fees, design and conversion considerations, definitions and measurements, parking, and rental and occupancy requirements.


What are ADUs?

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) have been known by many names: granny flats, in-law units, backyard cottages, secondary units and more. No matter what you call them, ADUs are an innovative, affordable, effective option for adding much-needed housing in California.

ADUs are independent and semi-independent dwelling units with complete or partial provisions for sleeping, cooking, and sanitation permitted to be constructed on properties with existing or proposed single-family dwellings pursuant to State law – Government Code Section 65852.2 - 66342. 



What are JADUs?

Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADUs) are allowed to be created within the walls of a proposed or existing single-family residence and shall contain no more than 500 square feet. JADUs offer additional housing options. They may share central systems, contain a basic kitchen utilizing small plug-in appliances, may share a bathroom with the primary dwelling, all to reduce development costs. JADUs present no additional stress on utility services or infrastructure because they simply repurpose existing space within the residence and do not expand the dwellings planned occupancy.


What are the benefits of an ADU / JADU?

  • ADUs and JADUs are an affordable type of home to construct in California because they do not require paying for land, major new infrastructure, structured parking, or elevators.
  • ADUs and JADUs can provide a source of income for homeowners, and apartment owners.
  • ADUs and JADUs are built with cost-effective wood frame construction, which is significantly less costly than homes in new multifamily infill buildings.
  • ADUs and JADUs allow extended families to be near one another while maintaining privacy.
  • ADUs and JADUs can provide as much living space as many newly-built apartments and condominiums, and they’re suited well for couples, small families, friends, young people, and seniors.
  • ADUs and JADUs give homeowners the flexibility to share independent living areas with family members and others, allowing seniors to age in place as they require more care.
  • ADUs are possible on parcels containing single-family and multi-family uses.


What information is needed for a complete ADU / JADU application?

A checklist of information required for a complete application is provided on page 2 of the Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) and Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit (JADU) General Information and Plan Submittal Requirements.


Recorded Deed Restriction

During the permit process, you will record a deed restriction with the Clerk Recorder’s Office of El Dorado County, which is required prior to issuance of the building permit. A recorded deed restriction prohibits the use of the ADU or JADU as a short-term rental and limits the separate sale of accessory dwellings from the primary unit. JADUs also require owner occupancy.


Building Permit

All ADUs and JADUs require a building permit. Compliance with the ADU and JADU zoning and development standards is reviewed as part of the building permit process. Submit applications either in person to the Development Services Department during over the counter hours (Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 11:00 am) or through our online permitting portal.


Helpful Resources:

Development Services Department, Planning Division
 2nd Floor, City Hall
 3101 Center Street, Placerville, CA 95667
(530) 642-5252   :   email: pv.planning@gmail.com

updated: 03/04/2025