Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Permit

The City of Lafayette defines three classes of Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU), depending on several factors such as attached vs detached, new construction vs conversion, and more. Read below to determine what category of ADU is right for you.

Is my project subject to an ADU Permit?
An ADU Permit is only required for Class C ADUs. Class C ADUs are all proposals that do not meet the standards listed below for Class A and Class B ADUs. All ADUs are approved ministerially, without a public hearing.

Class A ADU - BUILDING PERMIT REQUIRED

1. Limited Detached on Single-family Lot: One detached, new-construction ADU on a lot with a proposed or existing single-family dwelling (in addition to any JADU that might be established on the lot), if the detached ADU satisfies all of the following limitations:
   1. The side- and rear-yard setbacks are at least four-feet.
   2. The total floor area is 800 square feet or smaller.
   3. The height is 16 feet or less.
2. Limited Detached on Multifamily Lot: No more than two detached ADUs on a lot that has an existing multifamily dwelling if each detached ADU satisfies all of the following limitations:
   1. The side- and rear-yard setbacks are at least four-feet.
   2. The height is 16 feet or less.

Class B ADU - BUILDING PERMIT REQUIRED

1. Converted on Single-family Lot: One ADU or JADU on a lot with a proposed or existing single-family dwelling on it, where the ADU or JADU:
   1. Is either: within the space of a proposed single-family dwelling; within the existing space of an existing single-family dwelling; or within the existing space of an existing accessory building, plus up to 150 additional square feet if the expansion is limited to accommodating ingress and egress;
   2. Has exterior access that is independent of that for the single-family dwelling; and
   3. Has side and rear setbacks sufficient for fire and safety, as dictated by applicable building and fire codes.

   2. Converted on Multifamily Lot: Multiple ADUs within portions of existing multifamily dwelling buildings that are not used as livable space, including but not limited to storage rooms, boiler rooms, passageways, attics, basements, or garages, if each converted ADU complies with state building standards for dwellings. At least one converted ADU is allowed within an existing multifamily dwelling buildings, and multiple converted ADUs shall be permitted up to 25 percent of the number of existing multifamily dwelling units.

Class C ADU - ADU PERMIT & BUILDING PERMIT REQUIRED

• All proposals that do not fall within Class A or B.
• Requires an Accessory Dwelling Unit Permit and application fee.
• ADUs that comply with all of the development standards are approved by ministerial action of the Zoning Administrator

Junior ADU (JADU) - BUILDING PERMIT REQUIRED

A JADU must meet all of the following criteria:

1. 500 sq. ft. or less.
2. Located within an existing or proposed single-family residence.
3. Contains its own bathroom or shares a bathroom with the main residence.
4. Includes an efficiency kitchen.

Steps to Building an ADU

1. Read Up: Get familiar with ADUs by referencing Lafayette's ADU Handout for general information. Then, closely review the ADU Ordinance.  Finally, determine the ADU Class of your project (Class A, B, or C).  
2. Discuss your project with a planner:
   1.  Click this link to connect with a planner at the Virtual Planning Counter via Zoom Monday and Wednesday, 9:00-11:00 AM and 1:00-3:00 PM (No appointment needed): https://bit.ly/2WkgHcv. 
   2. Book an appointment via the online booking system for a 20 minute in-person appointment Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:00-11:00 AM and 1:00-3:00 PM
3. Class A and B ADUs: Submit architectural plans and title report to https://lovelafayette.idtplans.com/secure/. Additional documentation or review may be required based on the project scope.
4. Class C ADUs: Submit architectural plans, title report, and a completed ADU application to https://lovelafayette.idtplans.com/secure/.