ADU types
Above-Garage and Second-Story ADU
When the yard is too small or too valuable, the ADU goes up: over the garage or over part of the house, with its own stair. It needs more engineering than a ground-level ADU.
Up to 25 ft
height when attached
14-20 months
first call to move-in
Who it suits
Is this the right one?
01
Small yards
No ground left for a separate building.
02
Views
A second level often gets the light and the view.
03
Keeping parking
The garage stays a garage.
The rules
Rules at a glance
The state floor every city must allow. Your city may allow more.
California, 2026
| Rule | What it means |
|---|---|
| Height | Up to 25 ft or the zone limit when attached; 16 to 18 ft detached unless your city allows more |
| Setbacks | No more than 4 ft side and rear |
| Structure | The garage or house below usually needs new footings |
How it runs
From address to keys
01
Lot Check
Height limits, the structure below and stair placement.
02
Design
Includes structural engineering. Usually 10 to 14 weeks.
03
Permit
Typically 4 to 7 months.
04
Build
Typically 6 to 9 months.
Floor plans
Plans that fit
Ready-drawn plans we adapt to your lot and your city.
Questions
Above-Garage and Second-Story ADU questions
Can my garage hold a second floor?
Rarely as-is. Most need new footings and posts; the engineer sizes them in design.
Would it fit on your lot?
Send the address. We check whether it fits and what it takes to build.