Standards & rules
ADU design under SB 1211
What objective standards mean for layout, placement, and unit mix.
Objective-standards review under SB 1211 means designers can't be told "make it match the neighborhood." They can be told "stay under 18 ft, set back 4 ft, use Type V-B construction, comply with Title 24."
The design conversation shifts from negotiating with planners to optimizing within fixed envelope constraints — closer to factory product design than custom-home design.
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Related standards & rules topics
SB 1211 parking requirementsHow SB 1211 changes parking rules: cities can no longer require 1:1 replacement for parking removed to build ADUs.SB 1211 setback requirementsFour-foot side and rear setbacks. 18-foot height limit. The objective standards explained.SB 1211 height limits18 feet maximum for detached ADUs. How that affects two-story designs.Fire code compliance for SB 1211 ADUsThe one local power that survives ministerial review.Utility hookups for multifamily ADUsWater, sewer, gas, electric requirements under SB 1211.Impact fees on SB 1211 ADUsAB 1033 + SB 13 already capped fees on smaller ADUs. SB 1211 inherits those protections.Interior conversion ADUs under SB 1211The 25%-of-units rule and how it stacks with detached ADUs.Converting surface parking under SB 1211The biggest unlock. How to assess your parking lot for ADU potential.
How this topic plays in different cities
SB 1211 in FresnoFresno County · $1,500/moSB 1211 in IrvineOrange County · $2,900/moSB 1211 in Santa CruzSanta Cruz County · $2,900/moSB 1211 in OaklandAlameda County · $2,700/moSB 1211 in ReddingShasta County · $1,500/moSB 1211 in Daly CitySan Mateo County · $2,700/moSB 1211 in Palm SpringsRiverside County · $2,200/moSB 1211 in RichmondContra Costa County · $2,400/moSB 1211 in San MateoSan Mateo County · $3,000/moSB 1211 in AlhambraLos Angeles County · $2,300/moSB 1211 in CarlsbadSan Diego County · $2,700/moSB 1211 in DowneyLos Angeles County · $2,300/mo
By property type
Duplex2-unit · up to 3 new ADUsTriplex3-unit · up to 4 new ADUsFourplex / 4-unit4-unit · up to 5 new ADUs5-unit apartment5-unit · up to 6 new ADUs6-unit apartment6-unit · up to 7 new ADUs8-unit apartment8-unit · up to 10 new ADUs10-unit apartment10-unit · up to 10 new ADUs12-unit apartment12-unit · up to 11 new ADUs16-unit apartment16-unit · up to 12 new ADUs20-unit apartment20-unit · up to 13 new ADUs24-unit apartment24-unit · up to 14 new ADUs32-unit apartment32-unit · up to 16 new ADUs