What is JADU – Junior ADU Explained

Apr 25, 2020 | ADU

If you are reading this article, you already know what ADU is (Accessory Dwelling Unit), however do you know what is a JADU (Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit)? Do you know the difference between those two?

One of the most important ADU rule changes that took effect beginning of 2020 is a provision from California state bills AB68 and AB 881 that allows both an ADU and a Junior ADU (JADU) on the same lot with a proposed or existing single-family dwelling. Which means single family owner can add two rental units on their property: an ADU and a JADU.

Here is a summary of the JADU rules in those bills:

Size – JADU max of 500 sq. ft.
Location – JADU must be within a proposed of existing single-family dwelling or attached accessory structure (attached garage/pool house/recreation/bedroom etc…).
Expansion – JADU may include an expansion of up to 150 sq. ft. beyond the footprint of the existing, however this expansion is limited to accommodating ingress and egress (hallways, entry way, etc..).
Entry – JADU exterior access (a separate entrance for the JADU) is required, as well as an entry between JADU and the existing single-family dwelling.
Parking – No parking required for a JADU.
Bathroom – JADU may have a separate bathroom or shared with the single-family dwelling.
Kitchen – JADU kitchen must meet “Efficiency Kitchen” requirements:
- Cabinets and counter-tops in proportional size in relation to the JADU size.
- Kitchen sink (16”x16” max.) with a small drain line (1.5” diameter max.)
- Appliances that require electrical service only, not greater than 120 volts.

Difference Comparison

Parameter	ADU	JADU
Size	Max 1,200 Sqf	Max 500 Sqf
Location	Attached or Detached	Attached
New Construction Allowed	Yes	No*
Parking	Depends Location & Situation	No
Utilities	Separate	Shared
Address	Separate	Shared
Kitchen	Full Size or Kitchenette	Efficiently Kitchen
Bathroom	Separate	Separate or Shared
City Application Fees	Thousand $$$	Hundreds $$