Arcadia ADU policy is simple and generally conforms to the rules summarized in the HCD Accessory Dwelling Handbook.
Notable highlights for detached ADUs: two-story units are not allowed. One off-street parking space is required. Short-term rentals for ADUs are not allowed. The ADU should generally conform to the existing home in style, color, materials and roof slope
All ADU DIGGS models generally fall within Arcadia ADU policy rules for detached ADU structure. Click Here to see all four architectural styles offered.
Arcadia ADU Policy, Detached ADU
(Excerpt from Arcadia ADU Policy 8/22)
a. Unit Size:
1) Minimum Unit Size: None
2) Maximum Unit Size:
- Studio/1 Bedroom: 850 square feet; or
- 2 Bedrooms: 1,000 square feet (no more than two bedrooms are allowed)
- Not to exceed 50% of the total floor area of the existing residence
b. Maximum Height & Story:
- 16 feet in height, as measured to the top of the roof ridge; and
- Shall not to exceed one story
c. Setback Requirements: Minimum side and rear yard setbacks of 4 feet.
d. Building Separation: A minimum building separation of six feet shall be maintained (eave to eave) between the primary residence and a detached ADU.
e. Objective Design Standards for New Detached ADUs:
- There must be indentations and/or projections at least 8 inches in depth on at least two exterior walls; and the interior wall height shall be a minimum of seven (7) feet.
- May not be located closer to the front property line than the primary residence.
- Exposed gutters and downspouts are not allowed.
- Landscaping around the detached ADU must be drought-tolerant or low water-using, and provide screening between the ADU and adjacent parcels.
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Arcadia ADU Policy- Developmental Standards
(Excerpt Arcadia ADU Policy 8/22)
a. Zoning Clearance: A detached or an attached ADU that is over 800 square feet is subject to a Zoning Clearance application.
b. Maximum Floor Area and Lot Coverage: No accessory dwelling unit may cause the total Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of the lot to exceed 45%. No accessory dwelling unit may cause the lot coverage of the lot to exceed 50%.
c. Minimum Open Space: No ADU to this Section may cause the total percentage of open space of the lot to fall below 50 percent.
d. Building Separation: A minimum building separation of six feet shall be maintained (eave to eave) between the primary residence and a detached ADU.
e. Separate Access: ADUs must have a defined and independent exterior entrance, apart from that of the primary residence. The ADU entrance must be located on the side or rear building façade, not facing a public-right-of-way.
f. Parking:
- One (1) on-site parking space minimum, covered or uncovered.
- If uncovered, must be located on a paved surface and is allowed in the setback area or as tandem parking.
- When a garage, carport, or covered parking structure is demolished or converted in conjunction with the construction of an accessory dwelling unit, the required parking spaces shall be replaced. Refer to Section 9103.07.050 Off-Street Parking for Residential Uses, Table 3-3.
- When required parking cannot be provided due to physical limitations on a property, an alternative parking arrangement may be arranged subject to a parking waiver.
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Arcadia ADU Policy Objective Design Standards
- Subordinate in location and size to the primary residence.
- Consistent in exterior appearance with the primary residence through the use of similar/matching exterior paint colors, material types, and architectural styles.
- The roof slope must match the dominant roof slope of the primary residence.
- Exterior lighting must be limited to down-lights or as otherwise required by the building or fire code.
- Independent exterior entrance, apart from the primary dwelling and not facing a public right-of-way
- On corner lots, a separate walkway from the primary residence may be allowed to the detached ADU entrance and it must connect to the nearest public sidewalk or right-of-way.
- All windows located 9-feet in height above the finished floor must be clerestory windows with frosted or obscure glass.
- The ADU must use the same driveway as the primary residence to access the street, unless otherwise directed by the Fire Department.
- Each parking space must be at least 10 ft in width and 20 ft in length; if adjacent to a solid wall or structure, then it must be 11’-6” in width and 20 ft in length.
- ADU addresses must be at least 4 inches high and shown on the curb next to the primary address number.
- An ADU to be constructed on a lot that has an identified historical resource listed on the federal, state, or local register of historic places must comply with all applicable ministerial requirements imposed by the Secretary of the Interior.
- All landscaping utilized must be from the approve materials listed in the City’s Single-Family Design Guidelines.
- Please refer to Development Code Section 9102.01.080.G for the Objective Design Standards.
Other Arcadia ADU Policies
No short term rental allowed (under 28 days)
“All ADUs created on or after January 1, 2025, are subject to an owner-occupancy requirement.”
