On single-family lots in Oakland, you can build one JADU and one Category Two ADU of no more than 800 square feet with 16-foot height and 4-foot setbacks. Category One ADUs (interior conversions) may also be permitted in addition to these.

Multifamily properties can convert non-livable spaces (storage, garages, basements) into multiple ADUs. The number depends on the existing unit count and available space. Up to two detached ADUs may be allowed in some cases.

Yes, Oakland allows Junior ADUs up to 500 square feet. A JADU must be within the existing building envelope of a single-family home. JADUs can share a bathroom with the main residence and require only an efficient kitchen. Owner-occupancy is required—you must live in either the primary dwelling or the JADU.

Oakland does not have a separate guest quarters classification. Any secondary living space with kitchen facilities would be classified as an ADU.

Category Two (new construction) detached ADUs in Oakland are limited to 800-850 square feet. Category One ADUs (conversions) may use the full existing space without size limits. Oakland also enforces a rear yard coverage rule—no more than 50% of the rear yard setback may be covered by an ADU.

Attached ADUs are limited to 750 square feet OR 75% of the main house floor area, whichever is smaller. Attached ADUs must also not exceed 40% coverage for all structures on the lot.

Yes. Under California state law, ADUs up to 800 square feet with 4-foot setbacks and 16-foot height cannot be denied due to lot coverage, FAR, or open space requirements.

The maximum roof height for detached ADUs is 14 feet with a sloped roof (10 feet for flat roofs). Maximum wall height is 10 feet. Interior ceiling height cannot exceed 10 feet. ADUs must be subordinate in design to the primary residence in terms of massing, height, and building footprint.

No. Oakland limits detached ADUs to single-story with strict height limits (14-foot roof maximum). This is more restrictive than some neighboring cities.

ADUs require minimum 4-foot side and rear setbacks. Legally permitted structures (like existing garages) can be converted without conforming to setback requirements. Front yard setbacks follow underlying zoning. Only attached ADUs may be within the front setback of the primary house, but the entrance cannot be on the same façade as the primary dwelling entrance.

If an ADU is connected to the main home, it becomes a Secondary Dwelling Unit (SDU) and standard setbacks apply. Detached ADUs cannot continue walls of existing structures within setbacks.

Oakland requires both a DRX (Design Review Exempt) permit from the Planning/Zoning Bureau and a building permit. From complete application to permit issuance typically takes 6-8 weeks depending on project complexity. Pre-approved plans can expedite the process.

Permit costs include design review fees and building permit fees based on construction valuation. Total permit costs typically range from $5,000 to $15,000. Oakland's ADU Loan Program offers qualifying low-income homeowners up to $100,000 in low-interest loans for converting existing spaces into ADUs.

Oakland does not routinely require soils reports or building surveys for standard ADU projects. However, if your property is in a hillside area or has unusual conditions, additional documentation may be required.

No additional parking is required for ADUs located within half a mile of transit. Most Oakland properties qualify for this exemption given the extensive bus and BART network. Tandem parking in driveways is allowed where parking is needed. Properties outside transit zones may require one parking space.

No. When converting a garage to an ADU, replacement parking is not required under California state law.

If parking is required, it cannot be in the front yard setback (driveway parking is not considered parking by Planning). Tandem parking and covered spaces are allowed elsewhere on the lot.