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Local ADU Rules

City of Petaluma

Last Updated September 13, 2024

ADU Contact:

Community Development Dept., petalumaplanning@cityofpetaluma.org

Standards
Details
Zones allowed

Residential or mixed-use zone, including planned unit developments.

Lot Restrictions

Not applicable

Minimum Lot Size

No minimum size, as long as an ADU fits within the 4 foot setbacks it must be allowed.

Min/Max ADU Size

Maximum: Detached is 1,000 square feet. If an ADU is attached, it can only exceed 800 square feet if the the proposed area of the ADU does not exceed 50% of the living area of the existing house.

ADU Building Height

Generally 16 feet; if detached and a minimum 5 feet setback to the rear property line, an ADU can be up to 21 feet.

Setbacks

Detached: 4’ side and rear, street side setbacks vary depending on the underlying zoning district.
Attached: same setbacks as that of the primary dwelling unit. If the ADU does not exceed 800 square feet and 16 feet in height, 4’ side and rear setbacks.
ADUs are not allowed within the front setback; exceptions may apply depending on the underlying Residential DIstrict.

Parking Requirements

No additional parking requirements.

Owner Occupancy

Only required for JADUs; occupancy may be in primary dwelling or JADU.

Sample fees from recent permits

For information on fees visit the City of Petaluma ADU webpage: https://cityofpetaluma.org/accessory-dwelling-units/
*Fees are specific to each project and will vary. Fees change regularly. These are provided as examples only.

Other requirements

Open Space: 100 square feet for use by the occupant.

Process

Ministerial/Building Permit for units that comply with state law, unless located in a historic district.
Disclaimer: standards and process may vary. Consultation with the contact is recommended before starting any project.

Exceptions

No exception “process” outside of ministerial review; therefore, no appeal process outside of general building permit appeal.

Wondering what you can build?

Make sure you check out our Learning the Rules page for more step-by-step details

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