An accessory dwelling unit (ADU), also known as a “mother-in-law” or “granny flat,” is an attached or detached residential dwelling unit that provides complete independent living facilities for one or more persons on the same parcel as the main dwelling unit. This includes permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation. An ADU can be an efficiency unit, as defined in Section 17958.1 of Health and Safety Code, or a manufactured home, as defined in Section 18007 of the Health and Safety Code.

 

For additional information, see ADU FAQ's

 

ADUs may be permitted on lots where there is an existing or proposed single or multi-family dwelling.

A series of new State housing laws took effect January 1, 2020 which created a new land use definition for a junior accessory dwelling unit (JADU). A JADU is a residential dwelling unit that is no more than 500 square feet in area, contained entirely within an existing single-family residence, and can have separate sanitation facilities from, or shared sanitation facilities with, the existing residence.

 –Illustration by Alfred Twu

One detached ADU and one JADU may be permitted on any lot with an existing single-family dwelling.

Determine if your property is single family or multi-family by using the City’s Public Interactive Zoning Map. If you are unsure call the Planning department at (530) 879-6800 or email us at Zoning@chicoca.gov.

Review the Chico ADU Development Standards to determine the size, placement and design requirements for your ADU project.

Hire an experienced professional to draw the plans to bring your dream design to life! Have a design professional prepare a site plan and erosion control plan specific to your ADU project and submit for building permits with the Building Division.