Part 20 — Accessory Dwelling Units

Code reviser’s note: Ord. 744 adds this section as 20.52.710. The section has been editorially renumbered to prevent duplication of numbering.

The purpose of this section is to allow for accessory dwelling units to be established by right and subject to ministerial approval in accordance with state law. Facilitating the development of accessory dwelling units will increase the housing options for family members, seniors, low-wage workers, persons with disabilities, students, and others in the community. This section addresses the specific needs of Cudahy by providing limitations consistent with state law to maximize neighborhood compatibility. (Ord. 744 § 6 (Exh. A), 2024).

An accessory dwelling unit that conforms to all applicable requirements of this section shall not be considered in the calculation of allowable density for the lot upon which it is located, and is deemed to be a residential use that is consistent with the existing general plan and zoning designations for the lot. (Ord. 744 § 6 (Exh. A), 2024).

The Cudahy Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 764, passed November 4, 2025.

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Accessory dwelling units shall be permitted on any lot that contains an existing or proposed permanent main residential unit within any zone which permits single-family or multifamily housing as a permitted use, subject to the requirements of this section. (Ord. 744 § 6 (Exh. A), 2024).

A. Multi-Family Properties. For properties with two or more attached dwellings on them, two detached accessory dwelling units, or accessory dwelling units created from existing non-habitable spaces numbering up to 25 percent of the total number of primary dwelling units on the lot.

• B. Single-Family Properties.

  1. For lots with three or more multiple detached dwellings on them, two detached accessory dwelling units, or accessory dwelling units created from existing non-habitable spaces numbering up to 25 percent of the total number of primary dwelling units on the lot, subject to the following conditions:

     • a. The first accessory dwelling unit may be created through the construction of a new building, conversion of space within primary dwellings, or conversion of space within accessory structures.

b. The remaining permitted accessory dwelling unit(s) may be created through construction of a new building, conversion of space within primary dwellings, or conversion of space within accessory structures whose function is not for vehicular parking; provided, that such accessory dwelling units do not block legally required parking areas. Included among these accessory dwelling unit(s) may be one junior accessory dwelling unit subject to the standards of California Government Code Section 65852.22.

2. For “dwelling, single-family” properties as defined in CMC 20.88.050:

   • a. One accessory dwelling unit may be created through construction of a new building, conversion of space within primary dwellings, or conversion of space within accessory structures; and

b. One junior accessory dwelling unit subject to the standards of California Government Code Section 65852.22. (Ord. 744 § 6 (Exh. A), 2024).

A. Entrances. A separate entrance shall be provided to each accessory dwelling unit. Entrances shall be incidental to the primary dwelling(s) and minimally visible from the street frontage. No passageway to the primary dwelling shall be required with the construction of the accessory dwelling unit. Accessory dwelling units shall not protrude beyond the street-facing façade of the first dwelling unit behind the property line. If the entrance is provided as a

The Cudahy Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 764, passed November 4, 2025.

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staircase, it shall be enclosed as part of the structure’s interior, except for conversion/modification of an existing exterior stairway.

B. Fire Sprinklers. Accessory dwelling units shall not be required to provide fire sprinklers unless required for the primary residence, per California Government Code Section 65852.2(c). The construction of an accessory dwelling unit shall not trigger a requirement for fire sprinklers to be installed in an existing multifamily dwelling.

• C. Utility Hookups. Separate utility hookups are permitted but are not mandatory.

D. Deed Restriction Required. Before obtaining a building permit for an allowed accessory dwelling unit, the property owner shall file with the county recorder a declaration or agreement of restrictions, which has been approved by the city attorney as to its form and content. The declaration or agreement of restrictions shall contain a reference to the deed under which the property was acquired by the owner and shall state that:

1. The accessory dwelling unit is restricted to the maximum size allowed as identified by the development standards in this section.

2. The restrictions shall be binding upon any successor or assigned in ownership of the property, and lack of compliance shall result in legal action against the property owner.

• E. Rental Term. The rental term for an accessory dwelling unit must be for a term longer than 30 days.

• F. Kitchens. Include an efficiency kitchen, as defined in CMC 20.88.060. (Ord. 744 § 6 (Exh. A), 2024).

A. Development Standards. The accessory dwelling unit shall comply with the minimum property development standards of the applicable zones where residential uses are permitted or conditionally permitted in compliance with CMC 20.16.030, 20.20.030, and/or 20.28.030, unless modified by this section. These development standards shall also apply to garages in the case of an accessory dwelling unit constructed above a garage.

Table 20.52-3.

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Development Standards Standard
Lot Area – Minimum None
Lot Width – Minimum None
Front Yard Setback – Minimum
Base zone [1 ]
Side Yard Setback – Minimum 4 ft.
Height < 18 Ft. Base zone
Height > 18 Ft.
----- End of picture text -----

The Cudahy Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 764, passed November 4, 2025.

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Table 20.52-3.

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----- Start of picture text -----
Development Standards Standard
Rear Yard Setback – Minimum 4 ft.
Height < 18 Ft. Base zone
Height > 18 Ft.
Open Space Area, Common – Minimum As required by the base zone, but may be
reduced to accommodate the footprint of the
ADU
Open Space Area, Private – Minimum; None for the ADU
Exclusive of Required Front Yard Primary dwellings – as required by the base
zone, but may be reduced to accommodate
the footprint of the ADU
Building Height – Maximum Attached: 25 ft.
Detached: 18 ft.
If the ADU is being constructed on top of an
attached or detached garage, the ADU height
maximum is 28 ft. but shall not exceed two
stories.
Building Length – Maximum 175 ft.
Building Width – Minimum None
Distance Between Buildings – Minimum 5 ft.
Floor Area – Minimum 350 sf
Floor Area – Maximum [2, 3 ]
Efficiency or One-Bedroom Units 850 sf
Two-Bedroom Units 1,000 sf
Dwelling Units With Three Bedrooms or More 1,200 sf
----- End of picture text -----

1 The imposition of a front yard setback may not preclude the ability of a property owner to develop at least one 800-square-foot, 16-foot-high ADU with four-foot side and rear setbacks (a “statewide exemption ADU”). The front yard setback shall be imposed unless it can be demonstrated that the applicant has no other feasible alternatives on the property to construct one statewide exemption ADU in the case of a property with only detached units, or two statewide exemption ADUs in the case of a property with attached units.

2 In addition to the maximum floor area requirements described here, the floor area for an attached ADU shall be no greater than 50 percent of the floor area of the largest dwelling unit to which it is attached.

3 The measurement of the maximum floor area of an accessory dwelling unit does not include the garage or enclosed garage square footage.

The Cudahy Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 764, passed November 4, 2025.

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B. Architectural Design, Form, and Materials. The accessory dwelling unit shall be designed to integrate harmoniously with the development on which it is located.

1. Designation of Primary Dwelling for Design Purposes. The following definition of “primary dwelling” only applies to new construction ADUs. The primary dwelling on a property is the dwelling to which the accessory dwelling unit is most visually and functionally related. For example, in the case of an attached accessory dwelling unit the primary dwelling is the dwelling to which the accessory dwelling unit is attached. In the case of a detached accessory dwelling unit on a single-family lot, the primary dwelling is the single-family home on the lot. In the case of a lot with multiple structures, the detached accessory dwelling unit applicant has the option to choose whether the primary dwelling unit is the home in the front of the lot or the home closest to the proposed accessory dwelling unit.

• C. Standards.

  1. The ADU shall be designed in the same architectural style as the primary dwelling, and it shall use the same exterior materials.

  2. The base color of the ADU shall match a base or secondary color of the primary dwelling.

  3. The accent color shall match the accent color of the primary dwelling, or a secondary color of the dwelling.

  4. The roof pitch shall vary no more than 1:12 from the roof pitch of the primary dwelling.

  5. Additionally, the ADU shall comply with any objective design standards adopted by the city that are applicable to the zoning district or specific plan area where the ADU is located.

D. Variation From Standards. Should the applicant wish to vary from these architectural design, form, and materials standards, the applicant shall solicit an accessory dwelling unit design variance per Chapter 20.84 CMC, Part 12.

E. Zoning Clearance. New construction shall be subject to the zoning clearance process pursuant to Chapter 20.84 CMC, Part 3.

F. Demolition Permit and Accessory Dwelling Unit Application. A demolition permit required for a detached garage that is to be replaced with an accessory dwelling unit is to be reviewed and issued at the same time with the application for the accessory dwelling unit. No written notice or placard is required for the demolition of a detached garage that is to be replaced with an accessory dwelling unit. (Ord. 760 § 6 (Exh. A), 2025; Ord. 744 § 6 (Exh. A), 2024).

The Cudahy Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 764, passed November 4, 2025.

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A. Zoning Clearance. An application for a building permit to create accessory dwelling units within the existing space of a legally permitted accessory structure or dwelling shall be approved subject to Chapter 20.84 CMC, Part 3 (Zoning Clearance).

B. Setbacks. No setback is required by this section for an existing structure that is converted to an accessory dwelling unit, but side and rear setbacks must be sufficient for fire safety. Conversion of detached structures that meet applicable zone standards for side and rear setbacks and distance between buildings may be denied if a finding is made that the setbacks are insufficient for fire safety.

C. Access. The unit shall have an exterior access independent from the primary residence. No passageway between the primary residence and the accessory dwelling unit shall be required.

D. Conversions of or Within Nonconforming Structures. Existing space within existing structures that are nonconforming with respect to setbacks, building height, or lot coverage may be converted to an accessory dwelling unit, provided the nonconformity is not increased in any manner.

E. Entry Space. Up to 150 square feet of additional space may be added to the accessory dwelling unit created by converting space within an existing or proposed dwelling unit or accessory structure, only for the purposes of adding an entry space to the accessory dwelling unit. (Ord. 744 § 6 (Exh. A), 2024).

A. In addition to the parking spaces required for the primary residence, at least one off-street parking space shall be provided for each accessory dwelling unit, which may be provided as tandem parking in an existing driveway. Off-street parking shall be permitted in setback areas in locations determined by the local agency or through tandem parking, unless specific findings are made that parking in setback areas or tandem parking is not feasible based upon specific site or regional topographical or fire and life safety conditions.

B. If a garage, carport, or covered parking structure is converted or demolished in conjunction with the construction of an accessory dwelling unit, those off-street parking spaces shall not be required to be replaced.

• C. Parking for accessory dwelling units is not required in the following instances:

  1. Where a property is located within one-half mile from a public transit stop with scheduled services provided by a public agency.

2. For properties located within an architecturally and historically significant historic district, as adopted by the city.

The Cudahy Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 764, passed November 4, 2025.

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3. For properties in an area where on-street parking permits are required but not offered to the occupant of the accessory dwelling unit.

4. For properties located within one block of a car share area approved by the city.

5. When a permit application for an accessory dwelling unit is submitted with a permit application to create a new single-family dwelling or a new multifamily dwelling on the same lot; provided, that the accessory dwelling unit or the parcel satisfies any other criteria listed in this subsection (C). (Ord. 744 § 6 (Exh. A), 2024).

The community development department shall either approve or deny a zoning clearance, building permit or demolition permit to create or serve an accessory dwelling unit or a junior accessory dwelling unit, as required, within 60 days from the date the community development department receives a completed application if there is an existing single-family or multifamily dwelling on the lot. If the zoning clearance, building permit or demolition permit to create or serve an accessory dwelling unit or a junior accessory dwelling unit is submitted with a permit application to create a new single-family or multifamily dwelling on the lot, the community development department may delay approving or denying the zoning clearance, building permit or demolition permit for the accessory dwelling unit or the junior accessory dwelling unit until the community development department approves or denies the permit application to create the new single-family or multifamily dwelling, but the application to create or serve the accessory dwelling unit or junior accessory dwelling unit shall be considered without discretionary review or hearing. If the applicant requests a delay, the 60-day time period shall be tolled for the period of the delay. If the application is denied, with a full set of comments provided to the applicant with a list of items that are defective or deficient and a description of how the application can be remedied by the applicant, the 60-day time period shall reset. (Ord. 744 § 6 (Exh. A), 2024).