Fresno County anchors the central San Joaquin Valley with a blend of urban neighborhoods, suburban growth, agricultural communities, and smaller cities. Explore ADU information for Fresno and other communities throughout the county.
Incorporated cities inside Fresno County adopt their own ADU standards, so a property inside city limits follows that city's rules. County standards apply to the unincorporated areas.
Rules are grouped by topic. Open a topic for the answers, the conditions on them, and the official source each one came from. Each rule names the authority that set it: Statewide standard and Fresno County standard.
Filter
70 rules
What can I build?
The kinds of accessory dwelling unit this jurisdiction recognises.9 rules
Detached ADU allowed
Allowed
Detached ADUs are authorized on the same lot as a proposed or existing primary dwelling.
Set by: Statewide standard
In force from: Effective
Explanation
Whether a detached, newly constructed ADU is permitted.
Part of Statewide, published by California.
Source
California Government Code, Title 7, Division 1, Chapter 13, § Gov. Code § 66314(d)(3)
Source document
California Government Code, Title 7, Division 1, Chapter 13
Up to two detached ADUs are allowed on a parcel with an existing multifamily structure, subject to local standards.
Set by: Fresno County standard
Note: Conditions apply
Up to 2 count
A lot with a proposed multifamily dwelling may have up to two detached ADUs.
Set by: Statewide standard
In force from: Effective
Note: Conditions apply
Up to 8 count
An existing multifamily lot may have up to eight detached ADUs, but no more than its existing dwelling-unit count.
Set by: Statewide standard
In force from: Effective
Note: Conditions apply
Up to 1 count
One detached new-construction ADU is ministerially allowed on a qualifying single-family lot.
Set by: Statewide standard
In force from: Effective
Note: Conditions apply
Where a topic is recorded at more than one level, both entries are shown with the authority that set them. Which one governs a particular property is a question for the responsible planning agency.
Explanation — Fresno County standard
Greatest number of detached ADUs permitted on the property.
When this applies
Applies when all of the following are true:
Property primary structure type is Multifamily
Part of Fresno County Local Rules, published by Fresno County.
Explanation — Statewide standard
Greatest number of detached ADUs permitted on the property.
When this applies
Applies when all of the following are true:
Property primary structure type is Multifamily
Property has existing primary dwelling is no
Part of Statewide, published by California.
Explanation — Statewide standard
Greatest number of detached ADUs permitted on the property.
When this applies
Applies when all of the following are true:
Property primary structure type is Multifamily
Property has existing primary dwelling is yes
Part of Statewide, published by California.
Explanation — Statewide standard
Greatest number of detached ADUs permitted on the property.
When this applies
Applies when all of the following are true:
Property primary structure type is Single family
Part of Statewide, published by California.
Source — Fresno County standard
Fresno County Zoning Ordinance, Article 4, § § 834.4.030(B)(5)(d)(2), p. 4-8
An ADU is a residential use consistent with the lot's existing general-plan and zoning designations where the lot allows single-family or multifamily residential use.
Explanation
Whether the zoning district permits ADUs.
Part of Statewide, published by California.
Source
California Government Code, Title 7, Division 1, Chapter 13, § Gov. Code § 66314(c)
Source document
California Government Code, Title 7, Division 1, Chapter 13
County code sets a 1,000-square-foot maximum for a two-bedroom attached or detached ADU.
Set by: Fresno County standard
Note: Conditions apply
Up to 850 sqft
County code sets an 850-square-foot maximum for attached or detached ADUs with fewer than two bedrooms.
Set by: Fresno County standard
Note: Conditions apply
Up to 1,200 sqft
A detached ADU may not exceed 1,200 square feet under the statewide baseline.
Set by: Statewide standard
In force from: Effective
Note: Conditions apply
Where a topic is recorded at more than one level, both entries are shown with the authority that set them. Which one governs a particular property is a question for the responsible planning agency.
Explanation — Fresno County standard
Greatest permitted floor area of the ADU.
When this applies
Applies when all of the following are true:
Project unit type is one of Detached adu, Attached adu
Project bedrooms is 2
Part of Fresno County Local Rules, published by Fresno County.
Explanation — Fresno County standard
Greatest permitted floor area of the ADU.
When this applies
Applies when all of the following are true:
Project unit type is one of Detached adu, Attached adu
Project bedrooms is less than 2
Part of Fresno County Local Rules, published by Fresno County.
Explanation — Statewide standard
Greatest permitted floor area of the ADU.
When this applies
Applies when all of the following are true:
Project unit type is Detached adu
Part of Statewide, published by California.
Source — Fresno County standard
Fresno County Zoning Ordinance, Article 4, § § 834.4.030(B)(7)(a), p. 4-10
County code limits attached and detached ADUs to 50 percent of the primary dwelling’s floor area.
Set by: Fresno County standard
Note: Conditions apply
Up to 50 percent
An attached ADU on a lot with an existing primary dwelling may not exceed half of the primary dwelling's floor area.
Set by: Statewide standard
In force from: Effective
Note: Conditions apply
Where a topic is recorded at more than one level, both entries are shown with the authority that set them. Which one governs a particular property is a question for the responsible planning agency.
Explanation — Fresno County standard
Greatest permitted ADU floor area expressed as a percentage of the primary dwelling.
When this applies
Applies when all of the following are true:
Project unit type is one of Attached adu, Detached adu
Part of Fresno County Local Rules, published by Fresno County.
Explanation — Statewide standard
Greatest permitted ADU floor area expressed as a percentage of the primary dwelling.
When this applies
Applies when all of the following are true:
Project unit type is Attached adu
Property has existing primary dwelling is yes
Part of Statewide, published by California.
Source — Fresno County standard
Fresno County Zoning Ordinance, Article 4, § § 834.4.030(B)(7)(a), p. 4-10
A two-bedroom attached or detached ADU may be up to 1,000 square feet under County code.
Set by: Fresno County standard
Note: Conditions apply
At least 1,000 sqft
A local maximum size rule may not be lower than 1,000 square feet for an ADU with more than one bedroom.
Set by: Statewide standard
In force from: Effective
Note: Conditions apply
Where a topic is recorded at more than one level, both entries are shown with the authority that set them. Which one governs a particular property is a question for the responsible planning agency.
Explanation — Fresno County standard
Floor area at which a different bedroom limit or size allowance takes effect.
When this applies
Applies when all of the following are true:
Project unit type is one of Detached adu, Attached adu
Project bedrooms is 2
Part of Fresno County Local Rules, published by Fresno County.
Explanation — Statewide standard
Floor area at which a different bedroom limit or size allowance takes effect.
When this applies
Applies when all of the following are true:
Project bedrooms is more than 1
Part of Statewide, published by California.
Source — Fresno County standard
Fresno County Zoning Ordinance, Article 4, § § 834.4.030(B)(7)(a), p. 4-10
How tall an ADU may be, and how many storeys.6 rules
Maximum height
Up to 16 ft
A single-story attached or detached ADU may not exceed 16 feet in height above grade.
Set by: Fresno County standard
Note: Conditions apply
Up to 25 ft
An attached ADU must be allowed up to 25 feet or the primary dwelling's applicable zoning height, whichever is lower; it need not exceed two stories.
Set by: Statewide standard
In force from: Effective
Note: Conditions apply
Up to 16 ft
A local height limit must allow at least 16 feet for a detached ADU, subject to more favorable transit and multifamily rules.
Set by: Statewide standard
In force from: Effective
Note: Conditions apply
Where a topic is recorded at more than one level, both entries are shown with the authority that set them. Which one governs a particular property is a question for the responsible planning agency.
Explanation — Fresno County standard
Greatest permitted height of the ADU.
When this applies
Applies when all of the following are true:
Project unit type is one of Attached adu, Detached adu
Part of Fresno County Local Rules, published by Fresno County.
Explanation — Statewide standard
Greatest permitted height of the ADU.
When this applies
Applies when all of the following are true:
Project unit type is Attached adu
Part of Statewide, published by California.
Explanation — Statewide standard
Greatest permitted height of the ADU.
When this applies
Applies when all of the following are true:
Project unit type is Detached adu
Part of Statewide, published by California.
Source — Fresno County standard
Fresno County Zoning Ordinance, Article 4, § § 834.4.030(B)(7)(b)(1), p. 4-10
When parking has to be provided, and when it is excused.10 rules
Parking spaces required
0 spaces
No additional off-street parking is required for a converted ADU.
Set by: Fresno County standard
Note: Conditions apply
1 spaces
County code requires one off-street space for each attached or detached ADU unless an exemption applies.
Set by: Fresno County standard
Note: Conditions apply
0 spaces
No additional parking may be required for a JADU.
Set by: Statewide standard
In force from: Effective
Note: Conditions apply
Up to 1 spaces
ADU parking may not exceed one space per ADU or per bedroom, whichever is less; JADUs may not require additional parking.
Set by: Statewide standard
In force from: Effective
Note: Conditions apply
Where a topic is recorded at more than one level, both entries are shown with the authority that set them. Which one governs a particular property is a question for the responsible planning agency.
Explanation — Fresno County standard
Off-street parking spaces required for the ADU.
When this applies
Applies when all of the following are true:
Project unit type is Conversion adu
Part of Fresno County Local Rules, published by Fresno County.
Explanation — Fresno County standard
Off-street parking spaces required for the ADU.
When this applies
Applies when all of the following are true:
Project unit type is one of Attached adu, Detached adu
Part of Fresno County Local Rules, published by Fresno County.
Explanation — Statewide standard
Off-street parking spaces required for the ADU.
When this applies
Applies when all of the following are true:
Application type is Jadu
Part of Statewide, published by California.
Explanation — Statewide standard
Off-street parking spaces required for the ADU.
When this applies
Applies when all of the following are true:
Application type is one of Adu, Adu and jadu
Part of Statewide, published by California.
Source — Fresno County standard
Fresno County Zoning Ordinance, Article 4, § § 834.4.030(B)(8)(2), p. 4-12
Required ADU parking may be tandem, on an existing driveway, or provided by mechanical vehicle lift; it may not be in the front yard except on a paved driveway. Replacement parking for a converted ADU may be covered, uncovered, or tandem on the same parcel, but is limited to qualifying driveway or paved rear-yard locations.
County code specifies permitted configurations and limits front-yard parking.
Set by: Fresno County standard
Explanation
Where required parking may or may not be placed, as stated by the source.
Part of Fresno County Local Rules, published by Fresno County.
Sources (2)
Fresno County Zoning Ordinance, Article 4, § § 834.4.030(B)(7)(e)(1), p. 4-10
Connections, meters and the charges that come with them.12 rules
Separate utility meter required
Required
Attached and detached ADUs require separate utility connections directly to the utility provider.
Set by: Fresno County standard
Note: Conditions apply
Not required
For qualifying conversion ADUs and JADUs, a new or separate direct utility connection may not be required except with a new single-family dwelling or separate conveyance.
Set by: Statewide standard
In force from: Effective
Note: Conditions apply
Where a topic is recorded at more than one level, both entries are shown with the authority that set them. Which one governs a particular property is a question for the responsible planning agency.
Explanation — Fresno County standard
Whether the ADU must have its own utility meter.
When this applies
Applies when all of the following are true:
Project unit type is one of Attached adu, Detached adu
Part of Fresno County Local Rules, published by Fresno County.
Explanation — Statewide standard
Whether the ADU must have its own utility meter.
When this applies
Applies when all of the following are true:
Project construction type is one of Interior conversion, Accessory structure conversion, Garage conversion
Part of Statewide, published by California.
Source — Fresno County standard
Fresno County Zoning Ordinance, Article 4, § § 834.4.030(B)(7)(d), p. 4-10
Attached and detached ADUs require new separate utility connections.
Set by: Fresno County standard
Note: Conditions apply
Not required
Qualifying conversion ADUs and JADUs cannot be required to install a new direct utility connection, subject to statutory exceptions.
Set by: Statewide standard
In force from: Effective
Note: Conditions apply
Where a topic is recorded at more than one level, both entries are shown with the authority that set them. Which one governs a particular property is a question for the responsible planning agency.
Explanation — Fresno County standard
Whether a new utility connection, rather than a shared one, is required.
When this applies
Applies when all of the following are true:
Project unit type is one of Attached adu, Detached adu
Part of Fresno County Local Rules, published by Fresno County.
Explanation — Statewide standard
Whether a new utility connection, rather than a shared one, is required.
When this applies
Applies when all of the following are true:
Project construction type is one of Interior conversion, Accessory structure conversion, Garage conversion
Part of Statewide, published by California.
Source — Fresno County standard
Fresno County Zoning Ordinance, Article 4, § § 834.4.030(B)(7)(d), p. 4-10
County code exempts ADUs under 750 square feet from impact fees, including school fees.
Set by: Fresno County standard
Note: Conditions apply
Yes
A JADU of 500 square feet or less is exempt from impact fees.
Set by: Statewide standard
In force from: Effective
Note: Conditions apply
Yes
An ADU of 750 square feet or less is exempt from impact fees.
Set by: Statewide standard
In force from: Effective
Note: Conditions apply
Where a topic is recorded at more than one level, both entries are shown with the authority that set them. Which one governs a particular property is a question for the responsible planning agency.
Explanation — Fresno County standard
Whether the ADU is exempt from development impact fees.
When this applies
Applies when all of the following are true:
Project proposed size sqft is less than 750
Part of Fresno County Local Rules, published by Fresno County.
Explanation — Statewide standard
Whether the ADU is exempt from development impact fees.
When this applies
Applies when all of the following are true:
Project unit type is Jadu
Project proposed size sqft is at most 500
Part of Statewide, published by California.
Explanation — Statewide standard
Whether the ADU is exempt from development impact fees.
When this applies
Applies when all of the following are true:
Project unit type is one of Detached adu, Attached adu, Conversion adu
Project proposed size sqft is at most 750
Part of Statewide, published by California.
Source — Fresno County standard
Fresno County Zoning Ordinance, Article 4, § § 834.4.030(B)(6)(i), p. 4-9
County code prohibits school fees for ADUs under 750 square feet.
Set by: Fresno County standard
Note: Conditions apply
No
An ADU or JADU under 500 square feet is treated as construction that does not increase assessable space by 500 square feet for school-fee purposes.
Set by: Statewide standard
In force from: Effective
Note: Conditions apply
Where a topic is recorded at more than one level, both entries are shown with the authority that set them. Which one governs a particular property is a question for the responsible planning agency.
Explanation — Fresno County standard
Whether school district fees apply to the ADU.
When this applies
Applies when all of the following are true:
Project proposed size sqft is less than 750
Part of Fresno County Local Rules, published by Fresno County.
Explanation — Statewide standard
Whether school district fees apply to the ADU.
When this applies
Applies when all of the following are true:
Project proposed size sqft is less than 500
Part of Statewide, published by California.
Source — Fresno County standard
Fresno County Zoning Ordinance, Article 4, § § 834.4.030(B)(6)(i), p. 4-9
A completed ADU or JADU application on a lot with an existing qualifying dwelling must be approved or denied within 60 days; applicant-requested delay tolls the period.
Set by: Statewide standard
In force from: Effective
Note: Conditions apply
Explanation
Longest period the agency may take to approve or deny a completed application. Frequently scoped to lots with an existing dwelling; that condition belongs in the claim's applicability, not in this description.
When this applies
Applies when all of the following are true:
Property has existing primary dwelling is yes
Part of Statewide, published by California.
Source
California Government Code, Title 7, Division 1, Chapter 13, § Gov. Code §§ 66317(a)(3), 66335(a)(3)
Source document
California Government Code, Title 7, Division 1, Chapter 13
Maximum period to act on a coastal development permit
Up to 60 days
A completed coastal development permit application for an ADU must be approved or denied within 60 days, subject to the concurrent-primary-dwelling exception.
Set by: Statewide standard
In force from: Effective
Note: Conditions apply
Explanation
Longest period the agency may take to act on a coastal development permit application. Separate from the underlying ADU application timeline.
When this applies
Applies when all of the following are true:
Property overlays includes Coastal overlay
Part of Statewide, published by California.
Source
California Government Code, Title 7, Division 1, Chapter 13, § Gov. Code § 66329(a)
Source document
California Government Code, Title 7, Division 1, Chapter 13
For a detached garage replaced by an ADU, written notice or placarding for demolition cannot be required outside an architecturally and historically significant historic district.
Set by: Statewide standard
In force from: Effective
Note: Conditions apply
Explanation
Whether a demolition permit review or delay applies to the project.
When this applies
Applies when all of the following are true:
Property overlays does not include Historic district
Part of Statewide, published by California.
Source
California Government Code, Title 7, Division 1, Chapter 13, § Gov. Code § 66314(f)
Source document
California Government Code, Title 7, Division 1, Chapter 13
Who may live in an ADU, and how it may be rented or sold.6 rules
Minimum rental term
At least 30 days
County code prohibits rentals shorter than 30 days.
Set by: Fresno County standard
At least 31 days
ADU and JADU rentals must be for terms longer than 30 days.
Set by: Statewide standard
In force from: Effective
Where a topic is recorded at more than one level, both entries are shown with the authority that set them. Which one governs a particular property is a question for the responsible planning agency.
Explanation — Fresno County standard
Shortest rental term permitted for the ADU.
Part of Fresno County Local Rules, published by Fresno County.
Explanation — Statewide standard
Shortest rental term permitted for the ADU.
Part of Statewide, published by California.
Source — Fresno County standard
Fresno County Zoning Ordinance, Article 4, § § 834.4.030(B)(6)(h), p. 4-9
An ADU or JADU generally may not be sold separately from the primary residence, subject to a statutory separate-conveyance exception not captured by this broad rule.
Set by: Statewide standard
In force from: Effective
Note: Conditions apply
Explanation
Whether the ADU may be sold separately from the primary dwelling.
When this applies
Applies when all of the following are true:
Project separate sale intended is yes
Part of Statewide, published by California.
Source
California Government Code, Title 7, Division 1, Chapter 13, § Gov. Code § 66314(d)(1)
Source document
California Government Code, Title 7, Division 1, Chapter 13
An owner must reside in either the primary dwelling or JADU, with an exception for certain wholly government, land-trust, or housing-organization-owned property.
Set by: Fresno County standard
Note: Conditions apply
Explanation
Whether the owner must occupy the primary dwelling or the ADU.
When this applies
Applies when all of the following are true:
Project unit type is Jadu
Part of Fresno County Local Rules, published by Fresno County.
Source
Fresno County Zoning Ordinance, Article 4, § § 834.4.030(B)(4)(c)(2), p. 4-5
ADUDesk summarises recorded rules for informational purposes and may not include every requirement. Confirm current requirements with the responsible planning agency before making design, purchase, or permit decisions.
About this information
Dates, versions and how rules are recorded
Rules are recorded from official sources and each one links to the document it came from. A source check confirms the document was retrieved and read; it is not a legal review, and the record may not cover every requirement that applies to a property or project.
Report as of
The date the rules on this page were resolved for.
Jurisdiction record reviewed
Not recordedWhen this jurisdiction's record was last checked. Not a legal review.
Statewide
Published by California
Rule-set effective from
Published
Statewide rules reviewed
A staff check of this rule set against its sources.
What changed in this version: Initial
Fresno County Local Rules
Published by Fresno County
Rule-set effective from
Published
Local rules reviewed
A staff check of this rule set against its sources.
What changed in this version: Created from V2 research draft #3 (run #19).
