We are proud to service the Oakland, CA community and its surrounding areas! This includes zip codes:94601, 94602, 94603, 94605, 94606, 94607, 94608, 94609, 94610, 94611, 94612, 94613, 94618, 94619, and 94621.


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ADU in Oakland, CA

If you’re considering living in Oakland, California, your family will not be disappointed! It’s an ideal location for families of all sizes because this vibrant city provides a wealth of exciting and enriching opportunities for both children and adults. Oakland is a perfect place for families who enjoy spending time outside, thanks to its beautiful parks and outdoor spaces. There are endless opportunities for kids to get active and explore nature, from scenic waterfronts and hiking trails to sprawling playgrounds and baseball diamonds.

Oakland is also home to many fantastic cultural attractions that are ideal for the whole family. There are numerous opportunities for children to learn about their community and the world around them, ranging from museums and art galleries to theaters and performance halls. And, with so many fantastic restaurants, shops, and other entertainment options spread throughout the city, there is always something new and exciting to discover in Oakland.

ACTON ADU’S APPROACH

The Construction of an ADU

Getting a high quality ADU built is no simple task. The process of planning and building an ADU in Oakland, CA, has its challenges, but also has tremendous rewards. We endeavor to make it as simple for you as possible. . Here is a brief description of how it works:

  • The first step in establishing whether your project meets the requirements for an ADU is to validate it. To ensure your property conforms to all rules, we’ll inspect it. Answer the question of what can actually be built on your property legally.
  • We’ll work with you to personalize your ADU.. There are numerous pre-designed layouts available that can be used right out of the box or tweaked to your needs. There are also many interior packages to choose from, with a variety of design options.
  • Once designed, we’ll acquire your ADU permit and then start building your ADU.Our experienced craftsmen will begin ADU construction to the exact specifications.

The Acton ADU procedure is intended to be straightforward. To ensure that your ADU in Oakland, CA, is exactly what you’ve envisioned, we’ll work directly with you at every stage. To start working on your project right now, get in touch with us!

ACTON ADU

Your ADU Contractors in Oakland, CA

Acton ADU, operates in Oakland, CA, as well as many other cities in the Bay Area. We have a group of knowledgeable experts who can work with you to design and construct the best ADU for your requirements. We also understand the applicable code requirements and can secure the required permissions for your project.

Adding an ADU can increase your home’s living space, potential income, and value. An ADU may be used for any purpose you can think of, such as a guest house or a home office. You might utilize additional space on your Cupertino, CA, property that would otherwise go unused by adding an ADU. Call Acton ADU right away to get started!

Questions about ADUs in Oakland? Inquire Below
TYPES OF ADUS WE SERVICE IN OAKLAND
  • Attached
  • Detached
  • Interior
WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT BUILDING AN ADU IN OAKLAND?

Get All the ADU Zoning & Regulation Details

CITY OR COUNTYOakland, California
DATE UPDATED12/02/2022
ZONINGADUs are permitted in all lots with a one-family dwelling.
NUMBER OF ADUSOne-Family ADUs:
a. Junior: 1 per lot 
b. One-family ADU Cat 1&2: 1 per lot

Two-Family ADUs:
a. Category 1: 1 or up to 25% of existing units whichever is greater per two-family or multifamily building
b. Category 2: No more than 2 per lot
c. Category 3: Only 1 per lot. Precludes creation of any other ADU
TYPES OF ADUSTypes of One-Family ADUs : 
Junior
Category 1 
Category 2

Types of Two-Family ADUs :
Category 1
Category 2
Category 3
STORIESMust comply with underlying zoning district regulations.
LOT SIZENo min/max provided the ADU can maintain necessary setbacks.
ADU FLOOR AREAOne-Family ADUs :
Category 1: 
Conversion of Attached Structures: 50% of floor area of primary residence or 850 sf., whichever is greater, but shall not exceed 1,200 sf
Interior Conversion :
Size is limited by the existing building envelope, but shall not exceed 1,200 sf

Category 2: 
For detached:850 sf. for studio or 1-bedroom.1,000 sf. for 2-bedroom or more
For attached :
Whichever is greater: (A) 850 sf. for studio or 1-bedroom, and 1,000 sf. for a 2-bedroom or more; or (B) 50% of floor area of primary residence, but shall not exceed 1,200 sf

JADU: 500 sq ft 
Two-Family ADUs : 

Category 1: For Interior Conversion: Size is limited by the existing building envelope, but shall not exceed 1,200 sf.

Category 2: 850 sf. for studio or one-bedroom; 1,000 sf. for 2 bedrooms or more

Category 3: 850 sf. for studio or one-bedroom; 1,000 sf. for 2 bedrooms or more 
LOT COVERAGENew ADUs must be consistent with the regulations contained in the underlying zone, except the following shall be permitted regardless of these requirements:
One JADU
One ADU of no more than 800 sf. that is no more than 16 feet in height with at least 4-foot side and rear yard setbacks
BEDROOMNo min/max
STORAGEN/A
KITCHEN1. ADU: shall have a kitchen that is independent from the primary Residential Facility, and includes all of the following: A sink, cooking facility with appliances, a food preparation counter and storage cabinets that are of a reasonable size in relation to the size of the dwelling unit.

2. JADU: required to contain at least an efficiency kitchen, which shall include a cooking facility with appliances, and a food preparation counter and storage cabinets that are of reasonable size in relation to the size of the JADU
BATHJADU & One family ADU Category 1:  May have private bathroom; or bathroom facilities may be shared with the primary Residential Facility.

One family ADU Category 2: Must contain their own private bathroom facilities
PARKINGOne-Family ADU:
a. Junior: N/A
b. Cat 1&2: None required if located: a) within 14-mile walking distance of public transit; b) on any lot within a City of Oakland Area of Primary Importance (API) or Secondary Importance (ASI), as defined in the General Plan’s Historic Preservation Element; c) in areas where parking permits are required but not offered to occupants of ADUs; or d) where there is a carshare vehicle within one block of the ADU–Otherwise: One space per ADU, which can be tandem.

Two-Family ADU: One space; OR none if located: a) within one-half mile walking distance of public transit; b) on any lot within a City of Oakland Area of Primary Importance (API) or Secondary Importance (ASI), as defined in the General Plan’s Historic Preservation Element; c) in areas where parking permits are required but not offered to occupants of ADUs; or d) where there is a carshare vehicle within one block of the ADU
SETBACKSOne-Family ADU: 
Junior & Cat 1: N/A
Cat 2: 4 feet or the regularly required setback, whichever is less, but in no case shall the setback be less than 3 feet from the side or rear lot line

Two-Family ADU: 
4 feet, or the regularly required setback, whichever is less, but in no case shall be less than 3 feet from the side or rear lot line.

Note: Fire Department regulations should be assessed on a project by project basis.
FRONT SETBACKOne-Family: Established by the development standards of the underlying zoning district, except when lot conditions preclude creating one ADU of no more than 800 sf. and no more than 16 feet in height anywhere else on the lot

Two-Family:
a. Cat 1&2: Established by the development standards of the underlying zoning district, exempt if lot conditions preclude creating two ADUs of no more than 800 sf. and no more than 16 feet in height anywhere else on the lot
b. Cat 3: Must be consistent with the regulations contained in the underlying zoning district, except to establish one ADU of no more than 850 sf

Note: Historic Neighborhoods or Districts should be assessed on a project by project basis.
HEIGHTOne-Family:
Cat 1: Established by the development standards of the underlying zoning district
Cat 2: The height shall not exceed 20 feet unless the ADU meets the setback requirements of the underlying zone. In this case, the maximum height is controlled by the underlying zoning district regulations, but in no case shall the maximum height be less than 16 feet

Two-Family:
Cat 1: Established by base zone
Cat: The height shall not exceed 18 feet unless the ADU meets the setback requirements of the underlying zone. In this case, the maximum height is controlled by the underlying zoning district regulations, but in no case the maximum height shall be lower than 16 feet
Cat 3: Established by the development standards of the underlying zoning district
LOCATION1. Placement of an ADU in front of a main building on a Local, California and National Register Property is only allowed if the lot conditions or requirements preclude an ADU of a minimum allowed size (established by Tables 17.103.01 and 17.103.02) anywhere else on the lot
2. Any new attached or detached ADU on a Local, California, and National Register Property shall be located in the following order of preference:
First, behind the main structure
Next, to the side of the main structure
Last, in front of the main building
REAR YARD COVERAGEDoes not mention 
DESIGNAttached and detached Category Two and/or converted Category One ADUs located at the front or side of a main building and visible from the front public right-of-way shall incorporate the same roof pitch, visually matching exterior wall material, and predominant door and window trim, sill, recess, and style as the primary dwelling structure, with an option of approving different finishes or styles through the Small Project Design Review process as set forth in Section 17.136.030. ADUs of these types that are located to the rear of a main building are not subject to this design standard or alternative review process.

Attached or detached garages located to the front or side of a main building and converted to ADUs shall replace the garage doors with visually similar exterior wall materials, building color(s), and door and window trim as the primary Residential Facility, with an option of approving different finishes or styles through the Small Project Design Review process as set forth in Section 17.136.030. Attached or detached garages located to the rear of a main building and converted to ADUs are not subject to this design standard or alternative review process.

Note: Historic Neighborhoods or Districts should be assessed on a project by project basis.
ENTRYWAYSA separate exterior entrance that is independent from the primary Residential Facility is required for each ADU and JADU. An exterior stairway proposed to serve an ADU or JADU on a second story or higher shall not be visible from the front public right-of-way
RESOURCES>> Oakland, CA City Website
>> Oakland, CA City Housing Element Updates
>> Oakland, CA Post Offices
SOURCE CODEChapter 17.103 – SPECIAL REGULATIONS AND FINDINGS FOR CERTAIN USE CLASSIFICATIONS | Planning Code | Oakland, CA | Municode Library

Important Note: Rules and regulations are updated and changed frequently. It’s one of our jobs to be up to speed and navigate those regulations. Let us know if our website isn’t up to date or if you have any information that could help. Cheers!

LET’S DISCUSS YOUR ADU IN Oakland, CA

Considering an ADU in Oakland, CA? It’s a great way to enhance living space and boost property value. With Acton ADU, you’re partnering with experts who bring your vision to life. From design to construction, we’re with you every step of the way. Reach out today to explore the possibilities.

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