Dana Point's ADU ordinance is not in force

What Dana Point was told to change

All 77 of them, word for word. Nothing here is paraphrased, because paraphrasing a legal requirement is how error gets in.

Showing 25 of 77.

The numbers, and where each one comes from

All 51 fields via API · 38 verified against statute text

What you can build

Important, and worth checking before you rely on it: the state reviewed Dana Point's ADU rules on 2025-08-13 and said they break state law. When that happens the law says the city's rules stop counting and the state's rules apply instead, which is usually better for you because the state's are more generous. A city is allowed to disagree with the state and keep its rules in place while it argues, so this is a strong position to take rather than a settled fact. The practical move: if a planner quotes you something stricter than the numbers below, ask which rule they are relying on given the state's findings, and confirm with the planning department whether the city has since fixed its ordinance.

What you can build. You can build a separate building in the yard, an addition attached to your house, or a conversion of space you already have, like a garage.

How many. On a normal single-family lot you can have 1 ADU, plus 1 "junior" ADU, which is a small unit carved out of the existing house.

How big. The city has to let you build at least 800 square feet. If you want two or more bedrooms, it has to allow up to 1000 square feet. For reference, 800 sq ft is roughly a one-bedroom apartment, about the size of a two-car garage.

How close to the property line. You need to leave 4 feet on the sides and 4 at the back. That is measured from your property line, not from the fence, and those are not always in the same place. If you are converting a garage that already sits closer than that, you can generally keep it where it is.

How tall. Up to 16 feet, which is a single storey with a normal roof. If your lot is within a half mile walk of a major transit stop, you get 18 feet instead.

Parking. You may need to add 1 parking space, but there are a lot of exemptions. The big one: if you are within a half mile walk of public transit, no parking is required. And if you convert your garage, nobody can make you rebuild the parking you lost.

Common questions

What the state found next door

How Dana Point's neighbours fared in the same review process.

Across Orange County the state has reviewed 18 ordinances and found 18 of them non-compliant.

Before you rely on any of this

• Bring up the state's findings letter for Dana Point if a planner quotes you a stricter rule. The letter is public and is linked in the compliance output.
• Find your exact lot size and where your property lines actually are. A survey beats a fence.
• Call the planning counter and ask what zoning district your parcel is in, and whether any overlay applies (historic, hillside, fire hazard, flood).
• Ask whether your lot is within a half mile walk of transit. That one answer changes parking and height.
• If you are in an HOA, read the CC&Rs. State law limits outright HOA bans, but the details still matter.
• Get the utility and sewer connection requirements in writing early. They are often the surprise cost.

No builder list for Dana Point yet

Rather than list contractors we cannot evidence, this stays empty until Dana Point publishes permit records naming them or licence matching reaches the city. The cities already covered show how the ordering works, and whichever contractor you use, the rules above are the ones that govern the job.