Huntington Beach ADU Regulations & Building Guide

Huntington Beach is a vibrant city in Southern California known for its unique charm and diverse population. It offers a blend of urban and suburban experiences.

California State ADU Laws

California has some of the most progressive ADU legislation in the country. Recent laws including AB 68, SB 13, and AB 881 have significantly streamlined the ADU approval process and reduced barriers for homeowners.

Key California ADU Regulations:

• Size Limits: Detached ADUs can be up to 1,200 sq ft. Attached ADUs can be up to 50% of the primary dwelling or 1,200 sq ft, whichever is less.
• Setbacks: Minimum 4-foot side and rear setbacks for detached ADUs.
• Height: Generally up to 16 feet, with some exceptions for two-story ADUs (up to 25 feet in certain zones).
• Parking: No additional parking required in most cases, especially near transit.
• Owner Occupancy: No owner-occupancy requirement until 2025 for most ADUs.

Huntington Beach Local Requirements

While California state law provides baseline regulations, Huntington Beach may have additional local requirements. GatherADU's team stays current with Huntington Beach's specific zoning codes, architectural guidelines, and permit processes to ensure your ADU project meets all requirements.

Common local considerations in Huntington Beach include:

• Design review requirements and architectural standards
• Utility connection fees and impact fees
• Fire department access requirements
• Neighborhood-specific overlay zones

California law (AB 68, AB 881, SB 9, and subsequent legislation) guarantees your right to build ADUs. Cities cannot:

• Require owner-occupancy for ADUs permitted after 2020
• Require additional parking for ADUs near transit
• Charge impact fees for ADUs under 750 sq ft
• Deny ADUs that meet state minimum standards
• Impose lot coverage limits that prevent a 800 sq ft ADU

If you believe your ADU application is being unfairly denied, California HCD can intervene on your behalf.

California ADU Legislation Overview

California leads the nation in ADU-friendly legislation. The state has passed numerous laws to encourage ADU construction as a solution to the housing crisis.

Key California ADU Laws:

• AB 68 (2020): Reduced local government review time and expanded ADU construction options.
• SB 13 (2020): Limited impact fees and reduced owner-occupancy requirements.
• AB 881 (2020): Prohibited minimum lot size requirements and allowed JADUs in all zones.
• AB 2221 (2022): Further streamlined the ADU approval process.
• SB 897 (2022): Increased height limits for ADUs in certain zones.

California ADU Benefits:

• Property value increase of 20-30% on average
• Rental income potential of $1,500-$3,500+ monthly
• Housing flexibility for family members
• No owner-occupancy requirements (until 2025)

Huntington Beach, located in Orange County, California, is a vibrant coastal city known for its scenic beaches, surfing culture, and lively community atmosphere. With a population of approximately 200,259, Huntington Beach offers a blend of urban amenities and relaxed beach-town charm.

Geography and History

Situated along the Pacific Ocean, Huntington Beach is renowned for its extensive sandy beaches and consistent surf. Established in the early 1900s, the city has grown from its agricultural roots into a bustling urban center while maintaining its beach-town identity.

Local Economy

Huntington Beach's economy is diverse, with several key sectors contributing to its growth:

• Tourism: The city's beaches and surf culture attract millions of visitors annually, driving the local economy.
• Retail and Services: A variety of shopping centers, restaurants, and service-oriented businesses serve both residents and tourists.
• Real Estate: The city's coastal location makes real estate a significant part of the economy, with a focus on both residential and commercial properties.
• Hospitality: Includes hotels and resorts that cater to visitors seeking beachfront accommodations.
• Local Businesses: Includes a range of small businesses and startups contributing to the local economy.

Popular Neighborhoods

Huntington Beach offers a variety of neighborhoods, each with its own unique characteristics:

• Downtown Huntington Beach: Known for its vibrant atmosphere, shopping, dining, and proximity to the beach.
• Surf City: Features beachfront properties and is synonymous with the city's surfing culture.
• Old World Village: Offers a European-inspired community with unique shops and restaurants.
• Bella Terra: A master-planned community with a focus on family-friendly amenities and green spaces.
• Huntington Harbour: A waterfront neighborhood known for its canal-front properties and boating lifestyle.

Real Estate Market

The real estate market in Huntington Beach is characterized by its high demand for coastal properties. The city offers a range of housing options, including single-family homes, condos, and apartments. The coastal location and desirable lifestyle contribute to relatively high property values and competitive real estate conditions.

ADU Regulations in Huntington Beach

Huntington Beach has adopted Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) regulations in line with California state laws to address housing needs and support the development of affordable housing options. These regulations are designed to streamline the ADU approval process and encourage additional housing development.

• Zoning: ADUs are permitted in all residential zones and mixed-use zones that allow residential uses.
• Types of ADUs: Both attached and detached ADUs are allowed, as well as Junior ADUs (JADUs).
• Size Limits:
  • Detached ADUs: Up to 1,200 sqft.
  • Attached ADUs: Up to 50% of the primary dwelling's living area or 1,200 sqft, whichever is less.
  • JADUs: Up to 500 sqft.
• Height Restrictions: Detached ADUs are generally limited to 16 feet in height, with some exceptions allowing up to 25 feet.
• Parking: Generally, no additional parking is required for ADUs, especially if they are located within half a mile of public transit.
• Owner Occupancy: As of 2020, there is no owner-occupancy requirement for ADUs built between January 1, 2020, and January 1, 2025. Owner occupancy is required for properties with JADUs.
• Approval Process: ADUs that meet certain criteria are eligible for ministerial approval, which simplifies and accelerates the approval process.
• Multiple ADUs: In multi-family properties, up to two detached ADUs are allowed, or ADUs for 25% of the existing units within the structure, whichever is greater.
• Impact Fees: Reduced impact fees for ADUs smaller than 750 sqft.
• Design Standards: ADUs must be designed to be compatible with the primary residence and neighborhood character.

These regulations aim to facilitate the development of ADUs and address local housing needs in Huntington Beach.

Cultural Landmarks and Unique Aspects

Huntington Beach is known for its cultural landmarks and unique aspects that contribute to its appeal:

• Huntington Beach Pier: A popular landmark offering stunning ocean views and a hub for local events and activities.
• Surfing Culture: The city is renowned for its surf culture and hosts the annual U.S. Open of Surfing.
• Pacific City: A vibrant shopping and dining destination located along the beachfront.
• Huntington Central Park: The largest city park in Orange County, offering recreational facilities and open spaces.
• International Surfing Museum: Celebrates the history and culture of surfing with exhibits and memorabilia.

Huntington Beach’s ADU regulations reflect the city's commitment to addressing housing needs while maintaining its unique coastal character. With its vibrant neighborhoods, cultural landmarks, and thriving economy, Huntington Beach continues to be a desirable location for residents and businesses. The city's proactive approach to ADU development supports its goal of providing additional housing options and enhancing community growth.

‍