ADU Rules in Fresno, CA (2026)
ADU rules, permit requirements, size limits, and fees for Fresno, CA. Source-cited from official municipal code.
Yes, ADUs are allowed in Fresno, CA.
Fresno, CA permits accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on residential properties. ADUs — also called granny flats, in-law units, backyard cottages, or secondary suites — are secondary housing units on a single-family or multifamily lot. California state law actively preempts local restrictions, making ADU approval a streamlined ministerial process. In Fresno, the Fresno Development and Resource Management Department (DARM) — Building Division handles ADU permit applications. Below you will find the current size limits, setbacks, fees, and timeline for building an ADU in Fresno.
ADU Size Limits
ADU Size Limits in Fresno: Detached ADU: up to 1200 sq ft (max height: 16 feet). Attached ADU: 50 percent of the existing primary dwelling. Junior ADU (JADU): up to 500 sq ft — must be within the existing primary dwelling or accessory structure. Detached ADU maximum 1,200 sqft per California Gov Code §66314(d)(5) (Stats. 2024 Ch. 7 §20). JADU maximum 500 sqft within existing space of primary structure per Gov Code §66333 (Stats. 2024 Ch. 7 §20). Fresno's Central Valley construction costs (lower than coastal CA) make larger ADUs economically feasible for rental income. Fresno Municipal Code Section 15-2741.
| Type | Max Size | Max Height |
|---|---|---|
| Detached ADU | See official source | See official source |
| Attached ADU | 50 percent of the existing primary dwelling · Verified June 4, 2026 · Source | See official source |
| JADU | 500 sq ft · Verified June 4, 2026 · Source | Within existing structure |
Permit Fees
ADU Permit Fees in Fresno: Plan check fee: $400–$2,000 depending on project value. Building permit fee: $800–$4,000 depending on valuation. Impact fees: None. School fees: Exempt for ADUs under 750 sqft. ADUs 750+ sqft subject to Fresno Unified School District developer fees.. Total estimated permit cost: $1,500–$7,000 total permit fees — generally lower than coastal California cities. Impact fees waived for ADUs under 750 sqft per Gov Code §66323 (Stats. 2024 Ch. 7 §20). Fresno's permit fees are typically lower than Bay Area or LA metro cities due to lower construction cost baselines. Fresno Metropolitan Flood Control District (FMFCD) fees may apply for drainage improvements on some parcels. Fee schedule: https://www.fresno.gov/darm/fees/
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Plan Check | $400–$2,000 depending on project value |
| Building Permit | $800–$4,000 depending on valuation |
| Impact Fees | None |
| School Fees | Exempt for ADUs under 750 sqft. ADUs 750+ sqft subject to Fresno Unified School District developer fees. |
| Total Estimate | See official source |
Permit Timeline
Fresno ADU Permit Timeline: The permitting agency shall either approve or deny the application to create or serve an accessory dwelling unit within 60 days from the date the permitting agency receives a completed application if there is an existing single-family or multifamily dwelling on the lot. Apply through the Fresno Development and Resource Management Department (DARM) — Building Division online permit portal. Phone: (559) 621-8000.
Setback Requirements
ADU Setback Requirements in Fresno: Front setback: Same as zone standard. Side setback: 4 feet. Rear setback: 4 feet. 4-foot side and rear setbacks per California Gov Code §66314(d)(7) (Stats. 2024 Ch. 7 §20). Many Fresno properties have larger rear yards than coastal CA due to lower land costs — detached ADUs often feasible in rear yard. Front setback follows applicable zone standard — RS zones typically require 15-20 ft front setbacks.
Parking Requirements
Parking Requirements: No additional parking required for ADUs within one-half mile of Fresno Area Express (FAX) BRT or high-frequency bus routes. No replacement parking when garage converted to ADU. Per California Gov Code §66322(a)(1) and §66314(d)(11) (Stats. 2024 Ch. 7 §20).
Restrictions & Requirements
- ADU must comply with Fresno Municipal Code objective zoning and design standards
- ADU cannot be sold separately from primary dwelling (unless Urban Lot Split per Gov Code §66411.7 applies)
- Short-term rental of ADU (fewer than 30 days) requires Fresno Short-Term Rental permit
- ADU must have permanent foundation
- Agricultural zone interface lots may have additional buffer requirements
- Fresno's hot summer climate requires Title 24 cool roof and insulation compliance for ADU comfort
How Many ADUs Are Allowed?
Number of ADUs Allowed in Fresno: Single-family lots: 1 ADU + 1 JADU per single-family lot. Multifamily properties: Up to 25% of existing units (minimum 2) as detached ADUs; internal non-livable space conversions permitted. Fresno's large lot sizes in RS zones often accommodate both a detached ADU and a JADU within the same property — state law permits both. Fresno's relatively affordable land makes multifamily infill ADUs economically compelling.
Single-Family Lots
1 ADU + 1 JADU per single-family lot
Multifamily Properties
Up to 25% of existing units (minimum 2) as detached ADUs; internal non-livable space conversions permitted
State Law & Preemption
State Preemption: California Government Code Chapter 13 (§§66314–66333, effective January 1, 2025 per Stats. 2024 Ch. 7, SB 477) preempts Fresno's local ADU restrictions. Fresno must permit ADUs by-right on all residential lots. Owner-occupancy requirement eliminated per §66315 (AB 68, 2019; Stats. 2024 Ch. 7 §20). Fresno DARM updated local ADU standards in Fresno Municipal Code Section 15-2741 to comply with state law.
Historic District Considerations
Historic District Requirements: Fresno has 3 historic districts where additional design review may be required for ADU construction. Design review approval is required before obtaining a building permit for properties in historic overlay zones. Fresno has limited formally-designated historic districts — the Tower District Historic District, parts of Downtown Fresno (Fulton Mall area), and the Mural District in Chinatown/Fresno's historic Japanese/Chinese commercial corridor. Properties in these districts require Certificate of Appropriateness for exterior alterations. Fresno has a rich architectural history (1900s Craftsman bungalows in the Fig Garden area, Art Deco downtown) but limited formal historic protection compared to coastal CA cities. Look up historic district boundaries at: https://www.fresno.gov/darm/planning-division/historic-preservation/
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I build an ADU in Fresno?
Yes. Fresno, CA allows accessory dwelling units. On a single-family lot you can build 1 ADU + 1 JADU per single-family lot.
How big can an ADU be in Fresno?
The maximum size for a detached ADU in Fresno is 1,200 square feet. A Junior ADU (JADU) can be up to 500 square feet.
How long does it take to get an ADU permit in Fresno?
The typical ADU permit timeline in Fresno is The permitting agency shall either approve or deny the application to create or serve an accessory dwelling unit within 60 days from the date the permitting agency receives a completed application if there is an existing single-family or multifamily dwelling on the lot.. Total estimated permit fees are $1,500–$7,000 total permit fees — generally lower than coastal California cities.
Do I need extra parking for an ADU in Fresno?
Fresno parking rules for ADUs: No additional parking required for ADUs within one-half mile of Fresno Area Express (FAX) BRT or high-frequency bus routes. No replacement parking when garage converted to ADU. Per California Gov Code §66322(a)(1) and §66314(d)(11) (Stats. 2024 Ch. 7 §20).
Do I have to live on-site to have an ADU in Fresno?
Owner-occupancy requirement in Fresno: No additional standards, other than those provided in Section 66314, shall be used or imposed, including an owner-occupant requirement.
Source: Fresno Municipal Code Article IV, Section 15-2741 — Accessory Dwelling Units; California Government Code §§66314–66333 (Stats. 2024 Ch. 7 §20). Last verified April 6, 2026. View source