ADU Construction in Newport Beach

Newport Beach is one of Orange County's most affluent coastal cities, with a median home value exceeding $3 million. The city's harbor, beaches, and Fashion Island shopping center make it a premier residential destination. ADUs here command some of the highest rental rates in the county — a well-finished 1-bedroom ADU can generate $3,500–$5,000+ per month. The primary complexity in Newport Beach ADU construction is the Coastal Zone: properties within it may require a Coastal Development Permit in addition to standard building permits. Newport Beach launched its Safe ADU program with waived city fees to encourage compliant ADU development.

Zoning & requirements

Setbacks

4-foot minimum from rear and interior side property lines for detached ADUs. Front and street-side setbacks may exceed 4 feet depending on the underlying zone. Conversions of existing structures are exempt from setbacks.

Height

16 feet for detached ADUs. Additional height up to 18 feet may be permitted for roof pitch in certain zones. Two-story ADUs may be allowed up to 25 feet under recent state law updates.

Parking

One parking space per ADU required unless exempt. Exemptions include: within 0.5 miles of transit, within a historic district, when on-street parking permits are not provided to the ADU tenant, or within one block of a car-share stop. Properties NOT in the Coastal Zone and built with new construction are also exempt.

Lot Size

5,000–7,500 sqft typical residential lots. Some harbor and peninsula properties are smaller.

Owner Occupancy

No owner-occupancy requirement per AB 976 (2025). Previously, Newport Beach required owner occupancy — this is no longer enforceable.

Additional Notes

Coastal Zone properties may require a Coastal Development Permit (CDP), which can involve a public hearing. The Safe ADU program waives city permit fees for qualifying projects. ADUs under 750 sqft are exempt from impact fees.

How to permit your ADU in Newport Beach

Determine Coastal Zone status

Check if your property is within the California Coastal Zone using the city's zoning map. Coastal Zone properties require an additional Coastal Development Permit (CDP), which adds 4–8 weeks to the timeline.

Pre-application meeting

Schedule a meeting with Community Development to review your proposed ADU. Discuss setback requirements, parking, and whether a CDP is needed. Bring a preliminary site plan and property survey.

Submit plans

Submit complete architectural plans including site plan, floor plans, elevations, structural, MEP, Title 24, and landscape plan. If in the Coastal Zone, include the CDP application and any required environmental documentation.

Plan check & CDP review

Standard ADU plan check: 4–6 weeks. If a CDP is required, allow an additional 4–8 weeks. The city may schedule a public hearing for CDP applications in sensitive coastal areas.

Build & inspect

Pull your permit, begin construction with a licensed contractor. Newport Beach requires high-quality construction and design. Schedule inspections at all required phases through the Building Division.

Final inspection

Pass final inspection and obtain your Certificate of Occupancy. Check if the Safe ADU program covers your city permit fee waiver.

Newport Beach Community Development Department • Fees: $8,000–$18,000 total (plan check, building permit, school fees, utility connections). City permit fees may be waived through the Safe ADU program. Impact fees waived for ADUs under 750 sqft. • Timeline: 6–10 weeks for standard properties. 10–16 weeks if Coastal Development Permit is required.