ADDITIONAL DWELLING UNITS THAT REQUIRE A WATER PERMIT

What is an Accessory Dwelling Unit?

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are additional living units that are also known as: granny units, in-law units, backyard cottages, secondary units, and more. ADU’s are an affordable option for adding much needed housing in California. California Law now allows most property owners an opportunity to add ADUs to the property safely and legally.

What is a Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit?

Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADUs) are created within the walls of a proposed or existing single-family residence. JADUs repurpose existing space within the residence. JADUs are smaller, within the footprint of an existing structure, and typically contain simpler kitchen and bathroom facilities.

How many “Fixture Units” are needed in an ADU or JADU?

The number of fixture units needed will vary depending on what water fixtures are existing in the proposed ADU or JADU, and what water fixtures are needed to create the proposed ADU or JADU. Please see the electronic Water Permit Information Sheet for information about calculating fixture units. Note that an Instant-Access Hot Water System is required as a condition of the permit and no credit is available.

What is the procedure to add an ADU?

The procedure is the same as the Water Permit Process. Please refer to the “Water Permit Process” tab under “Permits”.

What are the retrofit requirements?

Construction of a new dwelling requires all water efficient appliances, including clothes washers, dishwashers, and instant-access hot water systems. As a condition of a Water Permit to add a bathroom, all toilets on site must be 1.28 gallons per flush high efficiency models, all shower heads must flow at 2.0 gallons per minute (gpm), kitchen sinks, utility sinks, and bar sink faucets must emit a maximum of 1.8 gallons of water per minute at 60 psi. Kitchen faucets may have the capability to temporarily increase flow to 2.2 gallons per minute for filling pots and pans, but must default back to a maximum flow rate of 1.8 gallons per minute measured at 60 psi. No credit is given for required retrofits.

If you have further questions, please contact the MPWMD Water Permits and Conservation office at (831) 658-5601.