ADU Scope is an independent information site about accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in the United States. We explain what state and city rules say about size, setbacks, parking, fees, permits, owner occupancy and related topics, and we show where each statement comes from.
What we cover
Our guides focus on state ADU laws (California, Washington, Oregon, Colorado, Arizona and others) and on the cities where homeowners most often ask: Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose and Sacramento. We also cover cross-cutting questions such as HOA restrictions, utility meters, impact fees, selling an ADU separately and legalizing an unpermitted unit.
Who it is for
- Homeowners deciding whether an ADU is possible on their lot.
- Buyers and investors comparing rules between states and cities.
- Anyone who wants the rule and its source in one place before talking to a planning department.
What ADU Scope is not
ADU Scope is not a law firm, a government agency or a permit service, and nothing on this site is legal advice. Rules change and cities interpret them differently. Always confirm the current rule with your planning department or a licensed professional before you design, buy or build.
Who runs it
ADU Scope is run by Marc, a consultant in regulatory compliance and cybersecurity. That background shapes how the site works: the focus is on reading primary legal sources carefully, tracing every number to its source and saying clearly what could not be confirmed. Marc is not an architect, builder or attorney, which is why the guides link to the law and to official city pages instead of asking you to take our word for it. Questions or corrections: admin@adunorth.com.
How we work
Every article states the date it was last verified and links to the statute or official page behind its key numbers. Read How we verify for our source hierarchy and our editorial policy for corrections, independence and how we handle advertising.
Funding
The site may display advertising. Advertising does not influence what we write, which cities or states we cover, or how we describe a rule.