ADU Regulations in Berkeley, California
Alameda County · CA · Pop. 120,000
Max ADU Size
1,200
sq ft detached
Rear Setback
4 ft
Permit Timeline
60 days
Build Cost
$230,000 – $450,000
Zoning
Allowed ADU Types
Berkeley has one of the most progressive ADU programs in the East Bay. The city offers pre-approved ADU plans that streamline permitting. Owner-occupancy requirements are prohibited under state law.
Source: City of Berkeley — Accessory Dwelling Units · Berkeley Municipal Code Chapter 23E.68
Dimensions
Size & Setback Requirements
Detached
1,200
sq ft max
JADU
500
sq ft max
Attached
50% of primary home, max 1,200 sq ft
Setbacks
front
Same as primary dwelling per underlying zone
side
4 ft
rear
4 ft
Max height: 16 ft
Lot coverage: Per underlying zone; Berkeley's hillside areas may have additional fire safety requirements
Berkeley's hillside zones (R-1H) may impose stricter fire-safe construction requirements. Garage conversions typically allowed at existing setbacks. ADUs in the hills should account for slope and geotechnical conditions.
Permitting
Permit Process
Department
City of Berkeley — Planning & Development Department
Review Timeline
60 days
Permit Fees
$12,000 – $25,000
Impact Fees
Impact fees waived for ADUs under 750 sq ft; prorated for larger units
Required Documents
- ›Site plan with property dimensions and setbacks
- ›Floor plans
- ›Elevations
- ›Title 24 energy compliance report
- ›Structural drawings
- ›Geotechnical report (hillside lots)
- ›Fire safety compliance documentation (hillside zone)
Berkeley's pre-approved ADU plan program can reduce design costs and speed approval. Plan check fees are among the highest in the East Bay due to complex zoning and environmental review requirements. Using a pre-approved plan eliminates architectural fees and may reduce plan check time.
Visit City of Berkeley — Planning & Development Department →Infrastructure
Utilities & Requirements
Solar
Required
Parking
Not required
Separate Meter
Optional
Fire Sprinklers
See note
Financials
ADU Costs in Berkeley
Typical Build Cost
$230,000 – $450,000
Cost per Sq Ft
$310 – $390
Monthly Rental
$2,200 – $3,500/mo/mo
Property Value Added
Adds $200,000 – $380,000 to property value
Available Grants & Programs
- ★CalHFA ADU Grant Program available (up to $40,000)
- ★Berkeley Rent Stabilization Board resources for landlords
UC Berkeley proximity and limited housing supply make Berkeley one of the most active ADU markets in the East Bay. The city's pre-approved ADU plan program can save $15,000–$30,000 in design costs and significantly reduce timeline.
Use the free ADU Cost Calculator →Free Service
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Berkeley Quick Facts
- Max size1,200 sq ft
- Rear setback4 ft
- Permit timeline60 days
- Build cost$230,000 – $450,000
- Rental income$2,200 – $3,500/mo/mo
- Owner occupancyNot required
Official Source
City of Berkeley — Accessory Dwelling UnitsBerkeley Municipal Code Chapter 23E.68
Last verified: March 14, 2026
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