Arcadia

One ADU is permitted on a residential lot and may be attached, detached, or created within an existing primary dwelling or accessory structure. The ADU must include complete independent living facilities such as living, sleeping, cooking and sanitation. 

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One JADU is permitted on a residential lot but must be located entirely within a single-family dwelling and is limited to 500 square feet.

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Arcadia aligns with California ADU law and regulates ADUs through its Development Code, allowing streamlined approval for qualifying projects.

• Detached ADU: A standalone residential unit located on the same lot as the primary home
• Attached ADU: A unit that is physically connected to the main house
• Conversion ADU: A unit created within existing space such as a garage or inside the primary dwelling
• Junior ADU (JADU): A unit up to 500 sq. ft. within the primary residence

• Maximum Size:
  
  • Detached / Attached ADU:

• Up to 850 sq. ft. for studio or one-bedroom units
• Up to 1,000 sq. ft. for units with two bedrooms
• Attached ADUs limited to 50% of the primary dwelling size
  
  

• Setbacks:
  
  • Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) must comply with the underlying zoning standards for setbacks. However, detached ADUs up to 800 square feet may qualify for reduced setbacks, allowing a minimum of 4-foot side and rear setbacks.
    
    
• Height Limits:
  
  • Subject to zoning district development standards
    
    
• Parking Requirements:
  
  • Parking requirements follow California state law and local standards
  • Some ADUs qualify for no parking requirement, especially for:
    
    • Conversions within existing structures 
    • JADUs
    • Smaller detached ADUs meeting specific criteria

To build an ADU in Arcadia, the following approvals and submittals are typically required:

• Building permit application submission through the city’s Arcadia EDGE e-permitting system
• Site plans, floor plans and supporting documents
• Compliance with zoning and development standards
• Review by Planning and Building Divisions

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Homeowners should also review Arcadia current fee schedule, utility connection requirements, and fire code compliance.

ADU permit timelines in Arcadia generally follow California law, which requires cities to act on complete applications within approximately 60 days. However, actual processing times can vary depending on factors such as the completeness of the application, the duration of plan review cycles and any required corrections or revisions.

Engaging professionals familiar with Arcadia ADU process can help streamline approval and potentially reduce delays.

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are permitted in multiple residential zones, including R-0 and R-1 for single-family residential use, as well as R-2 and R-3 for multi-family residential use, along with other residential districts where an existing dwelling is present. In general, a primary dwelling must either already exist or be proposed as part of the project and the ADU must remain subordinate to the primary residence. Additionally, the exterior design of the ADU is typically required to be consistent with the architectural style of the main home.

For the most current and complete information, refer directly to the City of Arcadia.

Arcadia also offers a Pre-Approved ADU Program (PAADU), allowing homeowners to use city-approved plans for faster permitting and reduced review time.

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ADU regulations are constantly evolving and may vary by property. Before starting your project, it’s recommended to consult with a qualified professional or ADU specialist to ensure compliance with current local requirements.