State law permits ADUs up to 1,200 sqft for detached units. 7,000–15,000+ sqft typical residential lots. Hillside and equestrian-zoned properties often exceed 20,000 sqft. No minimum lot size required by state law to build an ADU.
Up to 16 feet for single-story detached ADUs. Up to 25 feet for two-story ADUs per state law (AB 1332) in qualifying residential zones.
4-foot minimum from rear and side property lines for new detached ADUs. Conversions of existing structures are exempt from setback requirements.
One parking space per ADU may be required. Exempt if within 0.5 miles of public transit, within one block of a car-share vehicle, or if the ADU is a conversion of existing space.
No owner-occupancy requirement for ADUs (made permanent by AB 976 in 2025).
Estimated cost $275K–$425K. Permit fees $6K–$14K. Impact fees: Waived under 750 sqft.
Yorba Linda — known as the "Land of Gracious Living" — is an upscale residential city of approximately 68,000 residents in northeast Orange County. The city is the birthplace of President Richard Nixon, and the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum remains a prominent cultural landmark. Yorba Linda is distinguished by exceptionally generous lot sizes, particularly in the hills and equestrian areas where parcels regularly exceed 15,000 sqft and some reach half an acre or more. The city is served by the highly rated Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District, consistently ranked among the top districts in Orange County. Rolling hills, horse trails, and the proximity to Chino Hills State Park give Yorba Linda a semi-rural character rare in suburban OC. Properties in hillside overlay zones may be subject to additional grading and geological review requirements.