Fountain Valley, CA

All ADU Regulations

Fountain Valley, CA

Fountain Valley has updated its ADU ordinance to comply with new state laws. Below are the up-to-date requirements for permitting an ADU in Fountain Valley.


Updated May 2024

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Fountain Valley

Fountain Valley is one of the many cities in California that is encouraging the building of ADUs. ADUs, or accessory dwelling units, are small homes that are built on the same lot as a single-family home or multi-family building. They are a great way to add extra living space, income, and even help with housing shortages.

ZONING

All properties zoned for single-family and multi-family use may be eligible to build ADUs.

NUMBER OF UNITS

The number of ADUs you’re able to build depends on how your lot is zoned:

  • Lots zoned for single family use may add 1 ADU and 1 Jr. ADU (JADU).
  • Lots zoned for multi-family may add 2 new detached ADUs and at least one conversion ADU (interior conversion of existing building, but no more than 25% of the original number of units. (e.g. an apartment with 4 units may add 2 detached ADUs and 1 conversion ADU.)

BUILDING SIZE

  • JADU: max size 500 sf
  • Detached ADU: max size 1000 sf
  • Attached ADU: 50% of primary residence
  • Multi-family property ADU: max size 1000 sf

BUILDING HEIGHT

  • Detached ADU: max height 18 ft
  • Attached ADU: same as primary residence
  • Multi-family property ADU: max height 18 ft

SETBACKS

  • Side yard setback: 4 ft
  • Rear yard setback: 4 ft

PARKING

State Law - No requirements for parking if any of the following true:

  • The accessory dwelling unit is located within one-half mile walking distance of public transit.
  • The accessory dwelling unit is located within an architecturally and historically significant historic district.
  • The accessory dwelling unit is part of the proposed or existing primary residence or an accessory structure.
  • When on-street parking permits are required but not offered to the occupant of the accessory dwelling unit.
  • When there is a car share vehicle located within one block of the accessory dwelling unit.
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