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Accessory Dwelling Units

What is an Accessory Dwelling Unit?

An Accessory Dwelling Unit or "ADU" is a smaller housing unit located on the same property with an existing single- or multi-family residence that provides complete independent living facilities, including a kitchen with cooking facilities, bathroom, and sleeping area. They can range in size from a tiny house up to a 1,200 square foot house or greater depending on the size of the existing residence on the lot. They are also known as second dwelling units, guest cottages, in-law quarters, casitas, and granny flats.

Building an ADU offers residents an opportunity to provide a source of rental income on their property or expand accommodations for friends and family.

ADUs can vary in their structural forms.  They can consist of the following:

  • Attached ADU: An addition to the existing residence on the lot.

  • Detached ADU: A separated building from the existing residence on the lot.

  • Conversion of space: A conversion of space within the existing residence, with or without internal access between the two units.

  • Garage conversion: A conversion of the existing residence's existing garage.

What is an Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit?

A Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit or "JADU" is a sub-category defined as an ADU of no more than 500 square feet and contained entirely within an existing primary dwelling unit or attached garage.

For any questions regarding ADUs, please visit or call the City of Visalia Planning Division at: 559-713-4359 or [email protected].

Permit-Ready Accessory Dwelling Units

Through the Permit-Ready ADU Program, property owners can select from a variety of ADU plans which have been pre-approved and quickly obtain a building, providing a significant savings in architect and plan review fees.  Please click here to visit the Permit-Ready ADU website or contact the Planning Division today!

Permit Requirements

Constructing an ADU or JADU only requires obtaining a building permit through the City of Visalia.  City staff is committed to completing plan check reviews of ADUs in 20 calendar days or less upon submittal and in 10 calendar days or less for resubmittals.  Any ADU less than 750 square feet in area is exempt from incurring impact fees under State law, which provides a cost savings several thousands of dollars on average.   The following items are required for submitting a building permit application:

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