City · California
ADU rules in Berkeley
3 sources
These are the primary sources for accessory dwelling unit regulations in Berkeley: the city's own zoning code, planning department pages, and permit guides. Start here before talking to anyone: the rules below are what your permit reviewer will apply.
ADU regulations
- berkeleyca.govOfficial sourceLink outdatedBerkeley Forms ADU FAQs v5 (PDF)https://berkeleyca.gov/sites/default/files/documents/Berkeley_Forms%20ADU_FAQs_v5.pdfView archived copy (Wayback Machine)
- berkeley.municipal.codesOfficial sourceReviewed July 2026Municipal Code §23.306https://berkeley.municipal.codes/BMC/23.306Browse the full code library and look up §23.306
- berkeleyca.govOfficial sourceVerified July 2026https://berkeleyca.gov/construction-development/permits-design-parameters/permit-process/residential-additions-and
California statewide law also applies
California sets baseline ADU rights at the state level. Where local rules are stricter than state law allows, state law usually wins, so both are worth reading.
See California statewide rulesSpotted something outdated?
Zoning codes change. If a link is dead or Berkeley has updated its ordinance, report it and we'll verify against the official source.
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