What is the difference between a JADU and a standard ADU?
The two main differences are size and location. A JADU is capped at 500 square feet and must be built entirely within the existing walls of your primary residence — no new structure, no addition. A standard ADU can be much larger (up to 1,200+ sq ft in most jurisdictions) and can be detached, attached, or an above-garage unit. JADUs also have different permitting rules, lower fees, an owner-occupancy requirement, and in most cities they do not count against your lot's unit cap.
Does a JADU require its own separate entrance?
Yes. California law requires a JADU to have its own separate exterior entrance, or an entrance from a common area. It cannot require passing through the primary residence's living space to access. This is what separates a JADU from a simple in-law suite or a converted bedroom. A common solution is a new exterior door off the side yard or an existing secondary entrance that gets upgraded to a proper entry door with hardware and lighting.
What is an "efficiency kitchen" and is a full kitchen allowed in a JADU?
California law requires a JADU to include an efficiency kitchen, defined as a cooking facility with a sink, counter, and space for a refrigerator. It does not require a full range — a cooktop or microwave-cooktop combination is sufficient. Some jurisdictions allow a full residential kitchen in a JADU, but many do not, because the intent is that the JADU remains a small secondary unit rather than a fully independent rental with all appliances. We confirm your jurisdiction's specific rules during feasibility.
Does the owner have to live in the main house if there is a JADU?
Yes. California law requires that either the primary residence or the JADU be owner-occupied when a JADU exists on the property. The owner can live in the main house and rent the JADU, or live in the JADU and rent the main house — but they must occupy one of the two units. This is a statewide requirement and it is enforced by the jurisdiction that issued the JADU permit. We confirm and document compliance during permitting.
Can I convert part of my garage into a JADU and keep the rest for parking?
Yes, and this is a common configuration. If your attached garage is at least 20 feet deep, we can often carve out the rear portion as a JADU while preserving the front bays for parking. The JADU must be fully within the walls of the existing home envelope, must have its own exterior entry, and must meet all JADU legal requirements — but the fact that it sits within the garage footprint does not disqualify it. We have built several successful JADUs using this configuration.
How much rent can a JADU generate compared to a larger ADU?
JADUs typically rent for 20–35% less than a comparable detached ADU because they are smaller and attached to the main home. In early 2026, well-built JADUs rent for roughly: $1,700–$2,400/month in the Bay Area, $1,400–$2,000 in the Los Angeles metro, $1,300–$1,800 in San Diego, and $1,000–$1,400 in Sacramento and the Central Valley. Even at the lower end, the rental income is often enough to cover the entire construction cost within 8–12 years.
Does a JADU need its own utility meters?
No. Because a JADU shares the walls and structure of the main home, it is typically allowed to share utility service with the primary residence. This is one of the reasons JADUs are so affordable — you avoid the significant cost of separate electrical, gas, water, and sewer connections. For long-term rentals, some owners install a separate electrical subpanel for the JADU so utility costs can be split fairly with the tenant. We can design either configuration.
