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Dwelling
Units
What are ADUs?
Accessory Dwelling Units ("ADU"), also known as in-law units or granny amongst other names, are an innovative and affordable way for many individuals and families to create additional housing units on their existing properties. They are self-contained, additional housing unit on a permanent foundation that contains a kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping space. Please refer to the Accessory Dwelling Unit Handbook from the California Department of Housing and Community Development for further information on ADU development requirements.
Additional ADU Information:
City of Porterville - SB2 ADU Program
SAMPLE PLAN #1 (Studio)
Studio Floor Plans
SAMPLE PLAN # 2 (1 Bedroom)
1 Bedroom Floor Plans
SAMPLE PLAN #3 (2 Bedroom)
2 Bedroom Floor Plan
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Accessory Dwelling Unit FAQ's
Affordability: As housing costs rise across California, ADUs are an essential tool for creating much needed housing stock. Because they do not require paying for land, major new infrastructure, or parking, the cost per unit is much lower than traditional single-family homes.
Efficiency: ADUs can provide just as much living space as newly-built apartments and other multi-family developments. These dwelling units are ideal for couples, small families, friends, young people, and seniors.
Cost-Effective: ADUs are built using cost-effective wood frame construction methods, which is significantly cheaper than full-sized homes and new multi-family construction. Because of their smaller footprints, ADUs use less energy and resources compared to traditional full-size homes.
Income: The construction of an ADU can provide a secondary source of income for homeowners while also increasing the property value.
Flexibility: Because these units are self-contained dwelling units, they give homeowners the flexibility to share independent living areas with family members and others. ADUs also allow seniors to enjoy their golden years in close proximity to family as they require more care, yet still desire the freedom of independent living.
Privacy: ADUs provide extended families the ability to be near one another while maintaining private independent spaces.
Housing Option: ADUs provide a way to add much needed housing stock quickly within existing neighborhoods while maintaining and preserving the neighborhood's character without increasing density. Whereas traditional subdivisions can take years to be designed, evaluated, approved, and constructed, ADUs can be built and occupied in just a few months.
Efficiency: ADUs can provide just as much living space as newly-built apartments and other multi-family developments. These dwelling units are ideal for couples, small families, friends, young people, and seniors.
Cost-Effective: ADUs are built using cost-effective wood frame construction methods, which is significantly cheaper than full-sized homes and new multi-family construction. Because of their smaller footprints, ADUs use less energy and resources compared to traditional full-size homes.
Income: The construction of an ADU can provide a secondary source of income for homeowners while also increasing the property value.
Flexibility: Because these units are self-contained dwelling units, they give homeowners the flexibility to share independent living areas with family members and others. ADUs also allow seniors to enjoy their golden years in close proximity to family as they require more care, yet still desire the freedom of independent living.
Privacy: ADUs provide extended families the ability to be near one another while maintaining private independent spaces.
Housing Option: ADUs provide a way to add much needed housing stock quickly within existing neighborhoods while maintaining and preserving the neighborhood's character without increasing density. Whereas traditional subdivisions can take years to be designed, evaluated, approved, and constructed, ADUs can be built and occupied in just a few months.
Similar to an ADU, a Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit ("JADU") is an additional housing unit on a residential property. The main distinction between ADUs and JADUs is that JADUs must be created within either a proposed or existing single-family residence and can be larger than 500 square feet in size. They may be created within the walls of the proposed or existing single-family home, including attached garages. Unlike ADUs, there are owner-occupancy requirements. The owner must reside in either the JADU or the remaining portion of the residence.
