Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU)
On June 10, 2020, the City Council adopted a new ADU Ordinance, which went into effect on July 10, 2020. The Code was amended to comply with new State laws intended to encourage the construction of ADUs by reducing regulatory barriers commonly found in local zoning ordinances, thereby making it easier for property owners to add an ADU and create new affordable housing units in the Town.
Definition
An ADU is an attached or detached residential dwelling unit that provides complete independent living facilities for one or more persons and is located on a lot with an existing primary residence. ADUs are also referred to as second units or granny units.
Types
Generally, an ADU falls into one of the following categories:
Exceptions & Special Cases
- Most ADU’s can be approved ministerially, without discretionary review or a hearing.
- ADUs that are not larger than 800 square feet and compliant with general requirements may be constructed with only a building permit.
- A manufactured home may be approved as an ADU.
Town Resources
Other ADU Resources
- Second Unit Center: ADU-Idea-Book-FINAL-ONLINE-VERSION.pdf (secondunitcentersmc.org)
- HCD ADU Handbook: ADU Handbook (ca.gov)
- HCD ADU and JADU Info: Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) (ca.gov)
- 21 Elements: ADUs (Second Units) (21elements.com)
- Home for All: Second Units – Home for All (homeforallsmc.org)
- Human Investment Project (HIP): https://hiphousing.org/
Contact
For additional information or assistance, please contact the Colma Planning Department at (650) 757-8888 or planning@colma.ca.gov.