Orange County ADU Regulations
Orange County ADU regulations vary depending on where exactly you are located in the county. You may live in Orange County, CA, but that does not necessarily mean that your specific property is under the county’s local jurisdiction. Orange County ADU regulations vary per city, so it is important that you are checking the correct city’s ADU regulations that adhere to your property. Unless your property is located in the County of Orange’s jurisdiction, not the City of Orange’s jurisdiction, you will not follow the county’s rules. Only those located in the County of Orange’s local jurisdiction will follow the Orange County ADU regulations.
Located in the County of Orange’s Local Jurisdiction
If you are located in the County of Orange’s local jurisdiction, you will then be required to follow the County’s laws, building codes, and regulations. The easiest way to determine the Orange County ADU regulations is to call and speak to someone in the county’s public works development department. Tell them the specific property address you’re inquiring about, because sometimes, certain properties within the county may have additional restrictions due to public sewer limitations or being located in a fire zone. Ask if they are able to provide you with the information in writing, so you know exactly what you can and cannot build.
Located in a City Within Orange County, CA
If you are located in a city within Orange County, CA, such as Anaheim, Mission Viejo, Santa Ana, or Newport Beach, then you will not be required to follow the county’s ADU regulations. Instead, you will need to follow your local city’s ADU regulations and building requirements. Even if you are located in the City of Orange, you would not follow the county’s regulations, but the City of Orange’s regulations, which are different. This is where things can get complicated, because almost all of the cities in Orange County, CA have slightly different ADU regulations. So, what you’re allowed to build in the City of Garden Grove could be rejected by the City of Laguna Niguel, even if the ADU plans are exactly the same. This is why it is imperative to check with your local city in order to find out what is and is not allowed on your specific property. As stated earlier, sometimes certain properties within cities have additional restrictions due to factors like public utility limitations, being located in a historic or coastal area, or having an easement on your lot.
Finding Your Specific ADU Regulations
Whether you are looking for Orange County ADU regulations or perhaps Huntington Beach’s ADU regulations, always start with your local jurisdiction’s building or planning department. It is best to find a contact number or email and speak with someone about your specific situation. Sometimes, cities will have their ADU building codes posted on their websites, but it’s important to make sure you are viewing updated codes. In addition, you must be sure that there are no additional requirements or restrictions for your specific property’s location.
Let Us Help
Superior ADUs is one-stop company that handles all of the communication with your city to find out the specific ADU requirements for your property. In addition, our team will then also design ADU plans for you or you can choose from one of our ADU Models. We then handle all of the engineering and permitting process, as well as the construction of the ADU and project management.
If you are interested in scheduling a free, personal ADU consultation, please reach out to us by phone, email, or web form.
Phone: 949 – 216 – 0686
Email: info@superioradus.com