Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)

For Information on ADU
Email: planner@CityofPaloAlto.org
Phone: 650-329-3117
2018 Summary Guide to ADUs and JADUs (Effective December 6, 2018)
ADU Ordinance # 5453 (Effective December 6, 2018)
Recent & Upcoming Events
None
Project Background
An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a separate, self-contained small living unit with bathroom and kitchen facilities located on the same lot as the
In response to the Bay Area’s regional housing shortages, Governor Brown signed three new laws (SB 1069, AB 2299 and AB 2406) in September 2016 to encourage the construction of ADUs and JADUs by easing the regulatory burdens and barriers of existing local laws. In response to these new state policies, the Palo Alto City Council adopted a new ADU and JADU ordinance on May 8, 2017. This ordinance became
Please note that ADUs are permitted in all
June 2017 to Present Ordinance Update Meeting Materials
City Council Meetings
- November 5,
2018 City Council Second Reading Staff Report - October 1,
2018 City Council Public Hearing - Staff Report - October 1,
2018 City Council Public Hearing - Action Minutes - August 27,
2018 City Council Public Hearing - Staff Report - August 27,
2018 City Council Public Hearing - Action Minutes - February 26, City Council Second Reading - Staff Report
- February 26, City Council Second Reading - Action Minutes
- January 29,
2018 City Council Public Hearing - Staff Report - January 29,
2018 City Council Public Hearing - Action Minutes
Planning and Transportation Commission Meetings
- April 25,
2018 PTC Public Hearing - Staff Report - April 25,
2018 PTC Public Hearing - Meeting Minutes - March 28,
2018 PTC Public Hearing - Staff Report - March 28,
2018 PTC Public Hearing - Meeting Minutes - January
10,2018 PTC Study Session - Staff Report - January 10, 2018, PTC Study Session - Meeting Minutes
- December 13,
2017 PTC Study Session - Staff Report (item continued)
Initial Ordinance Update Meeting Materials (January 2016- June 2017)
City Council Meetings
- May 8,
2017 City Council Second Reading on ADU - Staff Report - May 8,
2017 City Council Second Reading Action Minutes - April 17,
2017 City Council First Reading on ADU - Staff Report - April 17,
2017 City Council First Reading Meeting Action Minutes - March 7,
2017 City Council Public Hearing on ADU - Staff Report - March 7,
2017 City Council Public Hearing Meeting Action Minutes
Planning and Transportation Commission Meetings
- November 30,
2016 PTC Public Hearing on ADU - Staff Report
- November 30,
2016 PTC Public Hearing Meeting Minutes - July 27,
2016 PTC Study Session - Staff Report - July 27,
2016 PTC Study Session Meeting Minute - January 27,
2016 PTC Study Session - Staff Report - January 27,
2016 Study Session Meeting Minutes
Want to learn more?
Please peruse the ADU resources page to learn more about local, regional and state ADU and JADU policies and approval processes.
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