Rebuilding and Accessory Units

As you work on the design to rebuild your home, we encourage you to consider including adding Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADUs) to your building plans.

We realize the financial burden that is involved in rebuilding your home. Building Accessory Units and Junior Units into your home can include the following benefits:

• ADUs and JADUs can provide revenue streams for you, while increasing the availability of rental housing in the county.
• These units also provide flexibility for aging in place by creating space for family and/or caregivers while maintaining homeowners' privacy.
• You may even be able to live in your accessory dwelling unit while your primary residence is rebuilt.

All residential properties can have a junior accessory dwelling unit (JADU) by converting a bedroom to include an efficiency kitchen and separate entrance. Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are allowed where adequate water and sewer or septic are demonstrated (there is no minimum lot size for an accessory dwelling unit). A single parcel that meets the criteria can have both a junior and accessory dwelling unit in addition to the primary residence. The County is allowing residents to build detached accessory dwelling units to live in while they are rebuilding their main residence.

More Information:

• Frequently Asked Questions
• Learn More About Accessory Dwelling Units & Junior Units

Incentive for Construction of New Accessory Dwelling Units

Development impact fees that are typically charged on new residential units to cover the cost of improvements needed for traffic and parks has been reduced or waived for new accessory dwelling units as noted below. The fee reduction is intended to encourage construction or installation of accessory dwelling units to house fire victims while rebuilding or add to the rental housing stock.