ADU vs. Guest House vs. Full Sized Dwellings

ADU or secondary dwelling: A small residence that shares a single family lot with a larger primary dwelling. It is self contained living space that includes a kitchen, bedroom and bathroom. Please see ADU Development Regulations for size requirements.

Full-size dwelling (units with 3+ Bedrooms or greater than 1000 square feet). For “Two-Family Residence” or two full sized dwellings typically a certain level of use permit is necessary which may require a public hearing. The level of use permit required is noted in the "Permitted and Conditional Uses" section (17.11- 17.31) of the Code for each zone. For more details please contact Planning Division staff.

Guest house: an accessory building containing a sleeping unit without kitchen facilities, and used to house occasional visitors which are nonpaying guests of the occupants of a dwelling unit on the same site; and containing a floor area of six hundred forty (640) square feet or less. Please check with the onsite division to make sure the septic system has the capacity to handle the added use. No entitlements are required for a guest house at this time.