Accessory Dwelling Units

Informational Handouts

ADUs and JADUs - Lots with Multi-Family Dwellings and Mixed-Use

Marina Coast Water District ADU Requirements

California Housing Finance Agency (HFA) Grant Information

SB 1211 Worksheet

Deed Restriction Forms**

ADU Deed Restriction and Instructions

JADU Deed Restriction and Instructions

** Please call the City's free Notary Public to set up an appointment to complete the above forms (single-sided) and have your signature notarized. Please bring a copy of your current Grant Deed to this appointment. The deed restriction form needs to match the names/signatures as they appear on the Grant Deed (i.e., this reflects how the ownership in the property is held).  Notary contact: 831-884-1212 or 831-884-1281

Building Permit Submittal Guidelines

Building Permit Submittal Guidelines

Step 1 - Zoning Clearance

Submit a site plan, floor plan, and building elevations to the Planning Division. Within three weeks, Planning staff will review the application and determine if the proposed ADU or JADU complies with the municipal code and state law. A consistency determination will be made in the form of a zoning clearance letter. Apply for zoning clearance here.

Include the number and location of bedrooms, bathrooms, and kitchen facilities; the height of the building from ground to highest point of roof; and the location of the proposed ADU or JADU on site, including setbacks to property lines.

Step 2 - Building Permit

Submit a full plan set stamped and signed by a certified architect to the Building Division. For a full list of requirements, refer to the Building Division Submittal Guidelines. 

Step 3 - Required Forms and Fees

Governmental agencies and service providers charge fees for some ADUs. A list of agencies and service providers is included in the FAQ below. The City of Marina recommends the applicant discuss fees with agencies and service providers early in the application process.

Step 4 - Deed Restriction

State law prohibits ADUs and JADUs constructed prior to January 1, 2025 from being used as short-term rentals. After obtaining a building permit and prior to final occupancy of the ADU or JADU, submit a Deed Restriction Form to the Planning Division for recordation with Monterey County. Separate forms for ADUs and JADUs are available under Regulations and Standards above.

ADU/JADU Frequently Asked Questions

DEFINITIONS

What is an accessory dwelling unit (ADU)?

An ADU is an attached or detached residential dwelling unit that provides complete independent living facilities and is located on a lot with a proposed or existing primary residence. An ADU includes bathroom and kitchen facilities separate from the primary residence on the same lot.

What is a junior accessory dwelling unit (JADU)?

A JADU is a unit no more than 500 square feet in size contained entirely within a single-family residence. A JADU includes a cooking facility with appliances and may include a separate bathroom or share bathroom facilities with the primary residence on the same lot.

Is an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) the same as an accessory structure?

No. An accessory structure is a building not intended for living purposes.

 DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS

Where are ADUs and JADUs allowed in Marina?

ADUs are permitted in any zoning district where single-family or multifamily dwellings are a permitted or conditionally permitted land use. JADUs are permitted in any zoning district where single-family dwellings are a permitted or conditionally permitted land use.

Where can I put an ADU on my property?

An ADU may be attached to, detached from, or located within the primary residence. An ADU may consist of new construction or the conversion of an existing structure or space within a primary residence.

How many ADUs and JADUs are allowed on my property?

On lots with single-family dwellings, one ADU and one JADU is allowed per parcel. The ADU may be located within the existing residence, attached to the primary residence, or detached from the primary residence.

On lots with existing multifamily dwellings, 1) up to eight detached ADUs, not to exceed the number of primary units; and 2) the number of internal ADUs created from existing space within a multifamily dwelling may be equal to up to 25% of the existing multifamily dwelling units. No JADUs are allowed on lots with multifamily dwellings.

How large can my ADU be?

A studio or 1-bedroom ADU is limited to 850 square feet. An ADU consisting of two or more bedrooms may be up to 1,000 square feet. An ADU that cannot meet all the development standards of a site (setbacks, height, lot coverage, etc.) is still permitted but can be no larger than 800 square feet.

What are the required setbacks for an ADU?

An ADU must be located in the rear portion of a yard no closer than four feet to the side and rear property lines. An ADU resulting from the conversion of an existing structure is not subject to setback requirements.

What is the maximum height allowed for an ADU?

A detached ADU is limited to 16 feet in height. A detached ADU may be up to 18 feet in height if it is (a) within one-half mile walking distance of a major transit stop or high quality transit corridor (see map below), or (b) on a lot that has an existing multifamily, multistory dwelling.

An attached ADU is limited to 25 feet in height or the height limitation that applies to the primary dwelling, whichever is lower.

Does an ADU impact my property’s overall lot coverage?

Yes—any roofed structure counts toward a parcel’s lot coverage as defined in the Marina Municipal Code. If the construction of an ADU would result in excess lot coverage, the ADU may be no larger than 800 square feet. An ADU resulting from the conversion of an existing structure is not subject to lot coverage requirements.

Is additional parking required for my JADU or ADU?

Probably not. A JADU is not required to provide additional off-street parking, and no replacement parking is required if the JADU results from the conversion of a garage. Because most parcels where ADUs would be permitted in Marina are located within ½ mile walking distance of transit, most ADUs do not require additional off-street parking, either. Check with Planning Division staff to see if your project would require a separate off-street parking space.

Are fire sprinklers required?

A detached ADU is required to have fire sprinklers only if the primary residence is required to have fire sprinklers.

Are solar panels required?

Yes, newly constructed ADUs are subject to the California Energy Code requirement to provide solar panels if the unit is a newly constructed, non-manufactured, detached ADU.

 OWNERSHIP AND LEASE REQUIREMENTS

Can I use my ADU or JADU as a short-term rental (STR)?

No. ADUs and JADUs cannot be rented for less than 30 consecutive days. Prior to occupancy of an ADU or JADU, an applicant must submit a Deed Restriction Form to the City of Marina Planning Division certifying that the ADU or JADU will not be used as an STR.

Are there owner-occupancy requirements for ADUs and JADUs?

ADUs are not subject to owner occupancy-requirements.

For parcels with a JADU, the property owner must live in either the JADU or the single-family residence.

Can my local Homeowners Association (HOA) prohibit the construction of an ADU or JADU?

No. Covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs) that either effectively prohibit or unreasonably restrict the construction or use of an ADU or JADU are void and unenforceable.

 FEES AND COSTS

What are the fees associated with building an ADU or JADU?

JADUs may be subject to hookup or connection fees for water and sewer service. Check with Marina Coast Water District (MCWD) for more information.

ADUs 500 square feet and larger are subject to impact fees assessed by the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District (MPUSD) on a per square foot basis. ADUs 750 square feet and larger are subject to impact fees assessed by the Transportation Agency for Monterey County (TAMC). The City of Marina is permitted under state law to assess impact fees on ADUs 750 square feet and larger. However, the City is not currently collecting fees for ADUs.

ADUs may also be subject to hookup or connection fees for water and sewer service. Check with MCWD for more information.

Contact Information

Monterey Peninsula Unified School District – (831) 645-1269

Transportation Agency for Monterey County – (831) 775-0903

                Fee Implementation Worksheet - available on the TAMC web page.

Marina Coast Water District – (831) 384-6131

City of Marina Building Division – (831) 884-1214

Will my property taxes increase if I build an ADU?

Yes. The primary house will not be reassessed but your taxes will increase based on the value of the ADU. For more information, contact the Monterey County Assessor.

Contact Information

Monterey County Assessor – (831) 755-5035

 PROCESS

How do I go about building an ADU or JADU?

Start with an application for Zoning Clearance with the Planning Division. Once clearance has been obtained, submit a full plan set to the Building Division, complete required forms and pay required fees, and submit a deed restriction form to the Planning Division for recordation with Monterey County prior to final occupancy of the ADU or JADU.

Can I build a new house and an ADU and/or JADU at the same time?

Yes. State law allows an ADU and/or JADU to be constructed in tandem with a new single-family dwelling.