ADU Glossary
DEFINITIONS OF COMMON TERMS
Looking for definitions of ADU, JADU, and ADU types? Head to ADU 101.
Planning and Zoning Terms
Assessor’s Parcel Number (APN) A unique number assigned to every site or lot in CA.
Building Code Statewide rules that ensure buildings are built safely, including structural, plumbing, and electrical. Cities and Counties might amend State code, which is updated every three years.
Deed Restrictions Conditions or rules that are added to a deed for a house.
Lot Coverage The area of a property that can have buildings on it in relation to total lot area, usually expressed as a percentage. Zoning code specifies lot coverage for your lot.
Lot Size Total square footage of your property.
Mixed-Use Zoning allows multiple uses on a property, such as commercial on the first floor of a building and residential above.
Owner Occupancy A requirement that homeowners live on the property (applies to JADUs and not ADUs).
Setbacks The minimum distance a building can be from front, side, or back property lines. A 4’ side setback means any building must be at least 4’ from the property side.
Single-family/Multifamily Single-family zoning means one home on a property. Multifamily zoning means more than one home (duplex, triplex, apartment building.
Zoning/Zoning Code Local rules that determine what can be built on a site, like how tall a building can be and its location on a lot. All lots are assigned a zone, and each zone has different regulations.
Design Definitions
Architect A design professional licensed by the state. Architects are trained in design and construction management.
Conceptual Drawings/Schematics Initial drawings of your site and proposed structure, including floorplan and other structures and outside features (e.g., trees).
Construction Drawings Detailed drawings including architectural and mechanical systems, with details needed for construction.
Design/Build Company Designs your ADU, manages the process, and builds it. Most often run by a licensed contractor who has designers or architects and builders on staff.
Designer A professional who either has architectural training but is not licensed, is self-taught, or falls somewhere in between.
Drafter Someone who does architectural drawings.
Elevation Drawing A drawing that shows a straight-on view, usually of an exterior wall.
Inspections A visit from trained professionals to ensure your structure is being built according to your permit application.
Refined Drawings Refined drawings of your site and proposed structure, including doors, windows, fixtures, and other detailed features.
Survey A professional drawing of your property, including historical boundaries. This is not always required for ADUs but is one way to officially confirm the extent of your property (try getting a map from your County Recorder office first).
Permits
Building Permit Officially states that your project meets code and construction can start.
Plan Check Multiple departments reviewing your plans for compliance and flagging issues.
Planning Permit Officially states your project meets zoning, land use, and planning rules.
Public Hearings A public meeting where elected officials and the public can comment on a proposed project; uncommon for ADUs.
Fees
Building Permit Fees cover the costs of processing and inspections. These fees can vary and are often a few thousand dollars.
Deed Restriction Filing Fees cover County recording of your deed restriction.
Hard Costs The direct costs of construction.
Impact Fees support infrastructure and services in your area. Often the largest fees for ADUs, but cannot be charged for ADUs under 750 SF.
Planning Permit Fees cover Planning Department review of your project.
School District Fees support your local school district through a per square foot development fee. Cannot be charged for ADUs under 500 SF.
Soft Costs Non-construction costs like design services and permitting fees.
Utility Fees vary by the size and location of your ADU. Under state law, existing buildings do not require water fees, while new buildings can only be charged fees in proportion to the size of the ADU.
Wait, what’s a JADU?
Check out our ADU 101 page for an overview of ADU types and basic details.
