Learn the Rules

Understand the basic rules and regulations for your community
Learn what you can build on your property

LEARNING THE RULES RESOURCES

ADU Guidebook →

A step-by-step guide to building an ADU in Newport Beach

ADU Rules →

A summary of the City’s ADU rules

ADU Exercises

PROJECT TIMELINE

Most ADU projects take 12-18 months to complete, but some extend to 24 months or more. Learning the Rules is part of the Planning phase, which takes 1-3 months.

LEARNING THE RULES FAQs

Here are a few of the most frequently asked questions about ADU rules. See the content below and the ADU Guidebook for more guidance, resources, and tips for all steps of the process.

In almost all cases, yes! ADUs are allowed in all residential and mixed-use zones and there is no minimum lot size. Homeowners can build both an ADU and a JADU on their property, and multifamily building owners can build one or two ADUs, depending on the type of project (but no JADUs).
Newport Beach’s Safe ADU program can help you legalize an unpermitted ADU or JADU, protecting you from code enforcement, fines, liability, and safety risks, and improving overall property value.
Under a new state law, homeowners can legalize most unpermitted ADUs as long as all health and safety issues are addressed. Take advantage of Safe ADU, receive a waiver of City permit fees (through 2024), and get advice from City planners on your property.
Visit the Safe ADU page for next steps.
Homeowners can convert legally built structures (garage, barn, art studio, etc.) into an ADU. JADUs can be converted from an attached garage (but not detached). If you demolish your garage or other enclosed structure and build an ADU in its place, the ADU can be in the same footprint if it’s the same size and height of the structure it’s replacing. You may need to provide replacement parking; check with City staff and see the Guidebook for more details.
Demolition permits for an existing detached garage can be processed with ADU permits.
Note that garage conversion ADUs may require significant moisture barriers and other design elements in order to meet building codes.
ADUs and JADUs are allowed in all residential and mixed-use zones.
If your property is located in the Coastal Zone, a new ADU may require a Coastal Development Permit. The Newport Beach Address Search Tool will tell you if your property is in the Coastal Zone, and City staff can guide you through any documentation required for your Coastal Development Permit application.
Homeowners can build both an ADU and JADU on their property. Multi-unit properties can have multiple ADUs, depending on the type and other details of the project.
The answer depends on the type of ADU and on your property. See the City ADU Rules and the Guidebook for more details on height, setbacks, and other rules.
In the City’s single family and multifamily zones, ADUs can range from efficiency units up to 1,000 square feet.
Junior ADUs (JADUs) can be up to 500 square feet.
Internal ADUs and Multi-Unit Conversion ADUs have no limit on square footage (but are generally limited to the existing building’s envelope – see the Guidebook for more details).
Attached and Detached ADUs can be up to 850 square feet for studio/1 bedroom units and 1,000 square feet for two-bedroom units.
Building an ADU is an investment of time as well as money. Most projects take one to two years to complete.
• 1-3 months: get started and assemble your team
• 1-6 months: develop plans, meet with the City and submit application(s)
• 1-6 months: plan review by City staff and corrections made by homeowner/project team for permit issuance (could take multiple reviews before approval)
• 6-12 months: construction
The City of Newport Beach does not require homeowners to live on their property if it includes an ADU. However, JADU owners need to live in the primary unit or the JADU – and this will need to be recorded in a deed restriction for the property.
Parking is much less of a concern than it used to be.
Replacement spaces: ADUs cannot displace uncovered parking spaces. Garage/carport/covered parking spaces demolished or converted for your project do not need to be replaced unless you’re building a JADU and/or you’re in the Coastal Zone.
Adding new spaces: JADUs and internal ADUs do not require the addition of a new parking space. Attached and detached ADUs require the addition of a new parking space (which can be tandem/directly behind another spot in the driveway), unless: 1) within 1/2-mile walking distance to transit; 2) within an architecturally or historically significant district; 3) on-street parking permits are required and not provided to the ADU occupant; 4) within one block of car-share access; or 5) not in the Coastal Zone and built along with a new building.
No. ADUs and JADUs cannot be rented for fewer than 30 days at a time.
Yes, prior to your final permit, you will need a sign-off from Souther California Edison (SCE) if the location of your ADU is near overhead powerlines, or an easement on your property. For further information, please read this order issued by SCE - Here

LEARNING THE RULES FOR YOUR ADU

Before you begin designing your ADU, you need to know what you’re allowed to build. We will help you navigate the state and local laws that apply to your property.

KEEP IN MIND

Understanding how all the local and state rules work together on your property can feel daunting – but City staff are available to help. Contact us to ask all your ADU questions! You may also want to check out our Glossary to make sure you understand the key terminology.

Learn about your property

First, you’ll gather some basic information about your property – how is it zoned? What’s the size of your lot and existing structures? Use the Address Search Tool and our Exercises to record some basic information on your property. Our Guidebook describes this step in more detail.

Address Search Tool

ADU Exercises

Learn what you can build

Next, you’ll need to understand what’s possible to build on your property. There are local and state laws that control the size, position, height, and other qualities of your ADU, as well as rules about parking, fire safety, and more. See the City ADU Rules for a comprehensive overview of Newport Beach’s ADU rules, plus our Guidebook for more detailed information about important ADU laws.

Make sure you note if your property is in the Coastal Zone, in which case your project will require an additional permit and will come under some slightly different rules.

City ADU Rules →

ADU Guidebook

Meet with City staff

One of the best things you can do is to talk to City staff early in the process about potential issues and other standards that might apply. Newport Beach has a Permit Center where you can ask questions without an appointment. If you decide to move forward, it’s a good idea to return with your final design for input before submitting your planning application. Staff will alert you to anything you should address before you submit.

Use our Exercises to help plan your conversation and take notes on the planner’s responses.

This is also a good time to contact your utility service providers (waste, sewer, gas, electricity, etc.) to confirm requirements, timelines, and fees. Contact information is in the directory at the end of our Guidebook.