Accessory Dwelling Units

Yes, ADUs and JADUs are permitted on most lots in a zoning district that permits residential dwellings.

A Building Permit is required to construct an ADU or JADU but ADUs and JADUs in Brisbane Acres require an Accessory Dwelling Unit Permit from Planning as well.

To determine if your property is in a residential zone, please refer to the City’s Zoning Map.

On a property with a single-family dwelling, it is possible to have a JADU and a detached ADU when certain conditions are met.

Generally, ADUs can be up to 1,000 sq ft and are limited to 2 stories if detached. JADUs can be up to 500 sq ft.

• Unrestricted ADUs can be up to 800 sq ft and are also limited to 16 feet in height if detached
• Attached ADUs can be up to 800 sq ft OR up to 50% of the primary residence area without exceeding 1,000 sq ft

Refer to the ADU Compendium for additional limitations to the size of ADUs.

In most instances, no.

JADUs have no parking requirement.

The total cost for an ADU ultimately depends on the size and type of ADU. It also depends how the space is designed and finished.

• A new, custom-built detached ADU may cost as much as $250,000.
• Retrofitting an existing detached garage or accessory structure may be as little as $80,000.
• Similarly, renovations to an existing home to create an attached ADU may be between $80,000 and $150,000, depending on size, existing plumbing, electrical, and mechanical systems, and how the space is designed. 

The building permit application process is all digital. No hard copy applications are accepted.

When ready, you may apply online for a Building, Planning, and/or Public Works permit at:

​Building:

http://greenvue.csgengr.com/brisbane2/public/FrmAccountSelection.aspx

Planning:

https://www.brisbaneca.org/cd/webform/electronic-planning-application

Public Works:

https://www.brisbaneca.org/publicworks/page/public-works-permits

Yes, but the main structure will not be reassessed and the base assessment of the main structure will not be affected.

Your taxes will increase based on the value of the ADU, just the same as if you were to build an addition to your home. For more information, visit https://www.smcacre.org/post/accessory-dwelling-unit

HIP Housing is a non-profit organization that may be able to help.

In most cases, yes, but there are limitations to some newly constructed ADUs. 

Fire sprinklers are typically not required.

However, if the primary residential building already has sprinklers or if additional work is proposed to the main dwelling that triggers fire sprinklers, they may be required.

Certain types of projects do not need to be prepared by a licensed architect or engineer such as: 

single-family dwellings not more than two stories, multiple-family dwellings that contain four or fewer dwelling units, and garages, carports, or accessory structures not more than two stories in height. 

Refer to the Licensed Professional Requirements PDF on our website for more information. 

Please be aware your plans still need to conform to all of the requirements contained in Section 4 of the ADU compendium and in the Plan Preparation Guidelines. Inadequate or incomplete plans will delay issuance of a building permit.

In most instances, yes.

There are certain zoning and building code provisions that only a complete floor plan will indicate and your plan checker will not be able to complete their review without one.