An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is an accessory unit to the primary dwelling with complete independent living facilities for one or more persons (sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation) and generally offer studio, one- and two-bedroom housing options.
The City of Sausalito encourages the development of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADUs) as a means of providing greater affordable housing in the community and providing more housing choices for our residents and local workers. While ADUs and JADUs are regulated under the City Municipal Code, the regulations have become much more permissive in recent years, due to changes in State Law. As such, a JADU may be permitted within the living space of any single-family dwelling and many types of ADUs are permitted on both single-family dwelling sites and multiple family dwelling sites, typically without public hearing review. As such, ADUs are subject to different zoning regulations compared to other types of buildings.
An ADU can be attached to, converted from part of, or detached from the primary residence. An ADU must include a kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping area, and must have its own exterior entrance.
There are three types of ADUs (not including JADUs):
- Detached: A new construction ADU that is physically detached from the primary dwelling. Detached ADU height is generally limited to 16 feet. A detached ADU may be up to 18 feet in height if it is created on a lot with an existing or proposed single family or multifamily dwelling unit that is located within one-half mile walking distance of a major transit stop or high quality transit corridor, as those terms are defined in Cal. Pub. Res. Code § 21155, and the ADU may be up to two additional feet in height (for a maximum of 20 feet) if necessary to accommodate a roof pitch on the ADU that is aligned with the roof pitch of the primary dwelling unit. There is a minimum 4-foot setback from the side and rear property lines.
- Attached: A new construction ADU that shares walls and is attached to the primary dwelling. Attached ADUs can be 25 feet tall.
- Converted Existing Space: Existing as-built space, such as all or portions of a master bedroom, attached garage, storage area, or similar, on the lot of the primary residence that is converted into an independent living unit.
The maximum size of an ADU is dependent on the type of ADU, number of bedrooms proposed, and the maximum allowed building area on the property. However, regardless of existing site conditions, a maximum 800 square foot ADU is generally allowed as long as the proposed ADU complies with the requirements outlined in SMC Section 10.44.080.
A Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit (JADU) is a specific type of conversion of existing space that is contained entirely within an existing or proposed single-family residence. A JADU is 500 square feet or less, contains an efficiency kitchen, and sanitation facilities may be provided in the unit or shared with the residence. A JADU requires the property owner to reside in either the primary residence or the JADU as their permanent residence.
The regulations for ADU and JADU development are located in Sausalito’s Municipal Code Section 10.44.080 can be viewed here.
Questions
If you are interested in building an ADU or JADU in Sausalito, detailed application forms can provide guidance on the regulations and the process. You can download the application form for ADUs and JADUs here. Please contact a planner by phone at (415) 289-4128 or by e-mail at cdd@sausalito.gov so we can assist in assuring your project application is consistent with Sausalito Municipal Code (SMC) Section 10.44.080 to avoid delays in processing your permit.
