Can I Build an ADU in Dinuba?

Yes — by right

ADUs and JADUs are allowed by right in all residential and mixed-use zones; ministerial approval, no hearing.

1 ADU + 1 JADU

At least one ADU and one JADU per single-family lot (a conversion ADU may also be possible).

Conversions up to 25% of units + up to 2 detached ADUs (attached ADUs not permitted on multifamily)

Dinuba caps detached ADUs on a multifamily lot at two (vs. the state's up-to-eight) and bars attached ADUs on multifamily lots, requiring conversions instead. Conversion of up to 25% of existing units in non-livable space is allowed.

Allowed

Up to 500 sq ft, within the walls of an existing single-family home (single-family lots only).

1,200 sq ft

Detached ADUs may reach 1,200 sq ft, but with bedroom sub-caps: a 1-bedroom detached ADU is capped at 800 sq ft and a 2+-bedroom detached ADU at 1,000 sq ft. An 800 sq ft ADU (≤16 ft, 4-ft setbacks) is always allowed regardless of these caps (§ 17.45.090(D)(7)). 1,200 is the local ceiling, not the 800 sq ft state floor.

50% of the primary dwelling or 850 sq ft, whichever is less (the state ≥850 / ≥1,000 sq ft by-right floor still governs)

Dinuba's text caps attached ADUs at 50% of the primary dwelling or 850 sq ft, whichever is less. State law still guarantees an attached ADU of at least 850 sq ft (1,000 for 2+ bedrooms), so the 'whichever is less' clause cannot drop a qualifying ADU below that floor.

800 sq ft

An 800 sq ft ADU must be allowed regardless of FAR/lot-coverage caps; a city also cannot cap an attached ADU below 850 sq ft (1,000 for 2+ bedrooms).

500 sq ft

16 ft

16 ft under any circumstance; 18 ft if within ½ mile of public transit or where the lot already has a two-story multifamily dwelling; up to 25 ft if attached (not exceeding the primary dwelling). Tracks the 2024 state height tiers.

4 ft

A city cannot require more than 4 ft side or rear setback; conversions of existing structures are exempt.

4 ft

No front setback may block the mandatory 800 sq ft / 16-ft / 4-ft-setback ADU; otherwise per base zone

None required

No fixed separation distance, but a detached ADU sited less than 10 ft from another structure must meet building-code fire-separation standards (conversions of permitted accessory structures are exempt). State law sets no separation requirement.

Up to 1 space

One space per ADU (tandem on a driveway allowed), waived under the standard state exemptions: within ½ mile of transit, in a historic district, within the primary/accessory structure, where on-street permits aren't offered, or within one block of a car-share vehicle.

Yes — no parking required near transit & for conversions

No parking may be required within ½ mi walking distance of transit, in a historic district, for an ADU within an existing structure, within one block of car-share, or in certain permit-parking areas.

Not required

When a garage/carport is demolished or converted to build an ADU, replacement parking cannot be required.

Ministerial (by right)

No public hearing or discretionary design review for a qualifying ADU.

60 days

The agency must act within 60 days of a complete application — and the ADU is deemed approved if it does not.

Only for a JADU

Owner-occupancy is enforceable only for a JADU. Dinuba's code text (§ 17.45.090(F)(3)) also purports to require owner-occupancy 'for all ADU and/or JADU permits' beginning Jan 1, 2025 — but Gov. Code § 66315 bars an owner-occupancy requirement for an ADU on a single-family lot, so that clause is likely preempted as applied to ADUs. Confirm with Dinuba Planning.

Waived under 750 sq ft

ADUs/JADUs under 750 sq ft pay no impact fees; at 750 sq ft or more, impact fees are charged proportionally to the primary dwelling's square footage. Connection/capacity charges apply only if the ADU is built with a new single-family home or detached structure.

Building permit

Only a ministerial building permit — no conditional use permit or discretionary design review for a qualifying ADU.