City of Downey ADU Regulations
Everything you need to know about building Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in Downey, CA.
Overview
In an effort to address the state’s housing crisis, the city of Downey has recently enacted a new ordinance that will allow homeowners to build accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on their property. The regulation is designed to increase the supply of affordable housing in the city by encouraging homeowners to use underutilized space on their property.
Building an ADU is a great way to add extra living space to your home, but the process can be complex and confusing. At Eazy ADU, we specialize in helping homeowners in Downey build beautiful and functional ADUs. We'll work with you to figure out the best design for your needs and budget, pull all the required permits, and manage the construction process from start to finish.
Type of ADUs
The following type of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are allowed in Downey, California.
Attached ADU
An Attacched ADU connects to an existing house, typically through the construction of an addition along the home’s side or rear.
Detached ADU
An Attacched ADU connects to an existing house, typically through the construction of an addition along the home’s side or rear.
Garage Conversion
An Attacched ADU connects to an existing house, typically through the construction of an addition along the home’s side or rear.
Junior ADU
An Attacched ADU connects to an existing house, typically through the construction of an addition along the home’s side or rear.
Downey Property Requirements
Several rules and regulations must be followed when building an ADU in Downey. These include:
Number of ADUs Allowed
Single-family lots can build 1 attached ADU or 1 detached ADU with 1 JADU.
Multi-family lots are allowed a maxium of 2 detached ADUs.
ADU Size
850 square feet of floor area for a studio/1 bedroom.
1,000 square feet for 2 bedrooms (no more than two bedrooms are allowed)
Height Limit
The maximum height is 16 feet, measured to the top of the roof ridge, and the unit shall not exceed one story.
Number of Bedrooms Allowed
Downey allows a maximum of 2 bedrooms.
Setbacks
4 feet from the property line is the minimum side and rear setbacks required for an attached or detached ADU. There are no minimum setbacks requirements for garage conversions or JADUs unless it is needed to ensure fire safety.
Parking
1 uncovered or covered parking structure is required unless the property has physical limitations. An alternative parking arrangement may be made subject to a parking waiver in such a case.
Owner Occupancy
JADUs are subject to an owner-occupancy requirement, the property owner must live on the property. All other ADUs built in Downey after January 1, 2020, but before January 1, 2025, are not subject to any owner-occupancy requirement.
Rental Guidelines
You can rent out your ADU on a long-term basis. Short-term rentals such as Airbnb or anything less than 30 days may not be allowed in your neighborhood.
Downey, California is a historic city with a rich culture. Founded in 1888, the city was once an industrial center for the aerospace and automobile industries. Today, Downey is home to a diverse population and is known for its strong sense of community.
