Frequently Asked Questions

One (1) ADU and one (1) JADU are allowed. 

The Tustin City Code (TCC) requires that a Detached ADU should be located outside of the front yard setback.  A front yard setback is defined by the zoning requirements of the TCC.  For example, single-family zones in Tustin (i.e. E4, R1, R4) require a minimum twenty (20) foot setback as measured from the front property line. The TCC also requires that a detached ADU be located behind the building line of the single-family home. The front building line generally follows the front wall of the house.  

An exception to the requirement described above, is when the front yard is the only area on the property which can accommodate an ADU that meets the definition of a “Statewide Exemption ADU”.  That is, when the side and rear yard of the property are not large enough to accommodate an ADU that meets the definition of a Statewide Exemption ADU.  

 A Statewide Exemption ADU is defined an accessory dwelling that is less than or equal to 800 square feet in floor area, sixteen (16) feet tall, with at least four (4) feet side and rear setbacks.

This diagram shows a lot layout when it may be possible to request the location of a Statewide exemption ADU in the front yard setback.  This diagram shows that the four (4)-foot sides and rear yards are not large enough to accommodate an ADU of at least 800 square feet (Statewide Exemption ADU).  This type of lot layout is not typical for Tustin properties.  It is anticipated that this would only occur in rare situations since most properties have a rear yard or even side yards to accommodate the location of a “Statewide exemption ADU” and other types of permitted ADUs or JADUs.