Berkeley ADU rules at a glance
The numbers the city publishes for ADUs and junior ADUs, in one place. Confirm your lot with the city before you plan.
Size
Outside the Hillside Overlay, an ADU can be up to 1,200 square feet. Inside it, the limit is 850 square feet for a studio or one bedroom and 1,000 square feet for two or more bedrooms. The minimum ADU size is 190 square feet. A junior ADU is capped at 500 square feet.
Height
A new detached ADU can be up to 25 feet tall outside the Hillside Overlay and 20 feet inside it. A converted structure keeps the height of the existing structure.
Setbacks and parking
Rear and side setbacks are a minimum of 4 feet. Parking is not required for an ADU or a junior ADU.
How many units
The number of ADUs and junior ADUs a lot can have depends on the building type on the lot and on whether it is in the Hillside Overlay. The table is in the city's information sheet, and the planning staff can confirm it for your address.
What does not change
Creek and Coast Live Oak rules still apply to an ADU, and the city's rules for lots over or near a creek or near protected trees are in its information sheet. Find which district your lot is in on the city's GIS portal, and ask the planning staff if you are unsure. See new ADU details and garage conversions.
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Rules questions
How do I know if my lot is in the Hillside Overlay?
The city says the Hillside Overlay is shown on its zoning map with an H label and that you can look up your zoning on its Community GIS Portal.
Does the bedroom ordinance apply to an ADU?
The city says no. ADUs and junior ADUs are not subject to the bedroom ordinance.
Ask a licensed ADU contractor to follow up
Send a request with your address and whether you are thinking of a detached unit, a garage conversion, or a junior ADU. We pass your request to one independent licensed contractor who serves Berkeley, CA, if one is available.
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