Junior ADUs: Big Benefits in Small Packages

Want to add rental income to your property without a major construction project? Junior ADUs (JADUs) offer California homeowners a simplified path to creating legal rental units within their existing homes. These space-efficient units can be your entry point into property investment.

What Makes Junior ADUs Different

Junior ADUs are unique living spaces that exist within the walls of your main home and offer simplified requirements:

• Maximum 500 square feet

• Can utilize existing bedrooms and living spaces

• Simplified kitchen requirements (no full kitchen mandatory)

• Shared or independent bathroom options

• Less restrictive utility connection requirements

The streamlined approach makes JADUs significantly less expensive and faster to permit than full ADUs.

The Owner-Occupancy Requirement

Unlike standard ADUs, Junior ADUs come with an owner-occupancy restriction—you must live in either the main home or the JADU. This requirement ensures neighborhood character remains intact while still creating rental opportunities. For many homeowners, this arrangement provides perfect proximity for housing family members or creating passive income while maintaining privacy.

Quiet junior accessory dwelling unit (ADU) with a private entrance, perfectly incorporated into the design of the main home.

Perfect for Specific Situations

JADUs excel as solutions for:

• Housing adult children returning home

• Creating space for aging parents

• Accommodating live-in caretakers

• Generating rental income while staying in your home

• Testing the landlord waters before investing in larger rental properties

In Sonoma County's tight housing market, even these smaller units command impressive rental rates while providing tenants with quiet, safe neighborhood living.

Simplified Permitting Path

Converting part of your home into a JADU typically involves fewer building department hurdles than full ADUs. However, navigating even simplified requirements requires expertise. All Cal Construction's permit specialists understand the nuances of JADU regulations across Northern California jurisdictions, ensuring your project receives prompt approval.

Want to learn if a JADU works for your property? Contact us today for expert guidance.