Frequently Asked Questions

An ADU is an accessory dwelling unit with complete independent living facilities for one or more persons and has a few variations:   

• Detached: The unit is separated from the primary structure.   
• Attached: The unit is attached to the primary structure.   
• Converted Existing Space: Space (e.g., master bedroom, attached garage, storage area, or similar use, or an accessory structure) on the lot of the primary residence that is converted into an independent living unit.   
• Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit (JADU): A specific type of conversion of existing space that is contained entirely within an existing or proposed single-family residence.

No. AB 68 and the City of Watsonville's Zoning Ordinance require a ministerial review process which is an administrative process not involving public hearings and where a project would be subject to objective criteria on a pass/fail basis only. 

No. While local governments may impose standards on ADUs, these standards shall not include minimum lot size requirements.

Yes. The City has adopted an ordinance establishing minimum and maximum unit size requirements for both attached and detached ADUs. As shown in the following table, in accordance with state law the maximum unit size requirements is at least 850 square feet (sf) and 1,000 sf for ADUs with more than one bedroom.

Table 1. Maximum ADU Living Area

Yes. A lot where there are currently multiple detached single-family dwellings is eligible for creation of one ADU per lot by converting space within the proposed or existing space of a single-family dwelling or existing structure and a new construction detached ADU subject to certain development standards.

Yes, provided the existing single family residence or detached garage meets setback requirements and the ADU meets certain development standards. While detached garages in many instances have been constructed within close proximity to side and/or rear property lines, the construction of a two-story structure with an ADU as the second story must meet all applicable setback requirements, such as a 10-foot exterior side yard setback, 5-foot interior side setback, and 5-foot rear yard setback. WMC § 14-23.030 and WMC § 14.40.030(a)(3) 

No. Parking requirements for ADUs do not exceed one parking space per unit or bedroom, whichever is less. These spaces may be provided as tandem parking on a driveway. Guest parking spaces are not required for ADUs.

It depends. No replacement or additional off-street parking is required when converting an existing garage, carport, or covered parking structure as an ADU.  Please note, however, that a JADU created in an attached garage (not more than 500 sf in size) is not afforded the same parking protections as ADUs and replacement parking must be provided onsite.

No. JADUs are not allowed in accessory structures. The creation of a JADU must be within the single-family residence. In addition, while attached garages are eligible for JADU creation, the maximum size for a JADU is 500 square feet. (Gov. Code, § 65852.22, subd. (a)(1), (a)(4), and (h)(1))

Yes. There are owner-occupancy requirements for JADUs. The owner must reside in either the remaining portion of the primary residence, or in the newly created JADU. (Gov. Code, § 65852.22, subd. (a)(2))

No. A JADU may be created on a lot zoned for single-family residences with one primary dwelling. The JADU may be created within the walls of the proposed or existing single-family residence, including attached garages, as attached garages are considered within the walls of the existing single-family residence. Please note that JADUs created in the attached garage are not subject to the same parking protections as ADUs and replacement parking must be provided onsite.