Are permits mandatory for detached ADUs?

Yes, you do require a permit to build a detached ADU in Modesto. A permit from your local jurisdiction is 100% mandatory to construct or build a new habitable space, either in an attached or detached form. You need to pay a certain amount of permit fee.

Can a junior ADU be in a detached form?

Yes, why not! It can be a relatively smaller unit in your backyard, with a maximum size limit of 500 sq. ft. if you do not require a bigger space or accommodation. This JADU can be in a totally detached form.

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Detached ADU in Modesto CA

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What is An Detached ADU?

A detached ADU is always away from the main building. Therefore, it has to follow all the setback rules of the proper distance that it needs to maintain from the main house and the nearest property lines. One such ADU is also called a backyard cottage or an in-law suite.

A Modesto detached ADU building project must follow the ADU regulations in California and the minimum set of design standards required by all local jurisdictions in this particular state. It can be regarding size, setback, height, and owner occupancy rules.

We focus 100% on designing, planning, and building detached ADU units that are perfect for you and your property.

From modern-day apartments for guests to classic dwelling ADUs to use as rental homes, our team has the experience necessary to deliver high-value and quality detached ADU construction projects in Modesto according to your needs and on time.

Building a detached ADU unit on your property is a great idea, as it provides affordable living options in high-priced urban areas. There’s always a size restriction for detached ADUs, and you get to know everything about the permitting process, codes, rules, regulations, and limitations when you partner with Frankie & Keny Remodeling, Inc.

Need reliable remodeling services in Modesto, Stanislaus County, or San Joaquin County? Call us at (209) 241-6279 or schedule an appointment today!

Types of Detached ADUs

Types	Description
Backyard cottage	An independent dwelling unit in backyard
Detached granny flat	A fully detached elderly accommodation
Detached in-law suite	A detached in-law suite with ample privacy
Detached home-office	Converting garages to home offices
Detached JADU	Smaller size accessory dwelling units
Detached rental space	Creating detached rental accommodation

California State Codes & Rules Regarding Detached ADUs

ADU Size – Modesto detached ADU must be limited to 850 sq. ft. in size for studio apartments and one bedroom units, whereas 1,000 sq. ft. for double bedroom accessory dwelling units. In some cases, a detached ADU can be up to 1200 sq. ft., irrespective of the size of the main building.
Lot Size – In case of detached ADUs, there’s NO minimum size requirement.
Setbacks – A minimum of 10 ft, from the main building, 5 ft. from the nearest property lines and 4 ft. from the rear and side must be followed by the contractor.
Height Limitation – A maximum ceiling height of 16 ft. is approved by the city for a one story apartment.
Owner Occupancy – An owner occupancy is NOT required for detached ADUs, but it might be needed for Junior ADUs.
Permit Fees – There’s NO Impact Fee for detached accessory dwelling units that are below 750 sq. ft. in size. These rules and ADU building codes are all for single family residences.

Detached ADU Interior Space Requirements

There’s a minimum interior space requirement for detached ADUs, and here’s a complete breakdown. If you’re planning to construct a large-sized bathroom in your ADU, you need to change or alter the layout design plan. The living room and bedroom must be at least 65-70 sq. ft. The kitchen space along with the hallway must measure at least 50-55 sq. ft. Thereafter, the bathroom can be a minimum of 30 to 35 sq. ft. in size. It can have a shower, bathtub, toilet, bidet, and sink with vanity.

Detached ADU Building Materials

The construction materials are the most important factor in building a detached ADU in Modesto, CA, or any other city. A granny flat should ensure high build quality with improved materials. There are different exterior cladding options, but you need to know which are against regulations.

There are ADU contractors in Modesto that may not use single-piece composite materials, prefabricated wooden laminate, or interlocked metal sheathing. The roof can be made of asphalt shingles, cedar shakes, or tiles. While windows must be at least double-pane glass, which is certified for building usage, they cannot have an exterior trim.

Permits For Detached ADU Construction

All local government permits for a detached ADU construction are issued by the Department of Building & Safety and the municipality after you’ve submitted a detailed design plan with all the drawings, documents, and official paperwork. It takes around 90-120 days to get the plan and design approved, thereby granting permits. It can take even less time if the layout-design plan is flawless and accurate. You need to apply for permits at least 5–6 months in advance so that you can prepare accordingly.

The approvals regarding a detached ADU construction need to come from the City of Modesto's Building Safety Division. Frankie & Keny Remodeling, Inc. takes care of all the ADU construction requirements, including the cumbersome and complex permitting process, application, and overall construction work, apart from all the marketing activities, tenant management, and ADU maintenance.

Benefits of Building an ADU in Modesto and Surrounding Areas

According to the latest California ADU law, all single-family residences can now build two separate ADUs, one being a regular detached ADU (750-1000 sq. ft. in size) and the other one, a Junior ADU of 500 sq. ft . in size, but not more than that.

A Junior ADU is actually a miniature version of a regular or conventional ADU, which is a part of the property and the existing main building or house. It can extend by up to 150 square feet beyond the original footprint of the main structure or building. In a majority of cases, a JADU is a smaller version of a detached ADU, in the form of a large bedroom or garage that includes its own bathroom and some kitchen appliances.

If you possess a ‘multi-family’ residence, you can construct two full-size detached ADUs on your property by following all the setback rules, regulations, and building codes of the state of California.

Detached ADU Parking Requirements

As per the latest ADU construction guidelines of 2021, homeowners that convert their garages into fully detached ADUs will no longer have to replace their existing parking space or shed that would be lost as a result of a garage conversion.

Apart from this, now there’s no parking lot or parking space requirement at all for detached accessory dwelling units that are built within half a mile from public transportation. Around Modesto, it’s rare that some place isn’t within a half mile of some kind of public transport.

You also don’t require to have a parking lot or a dedicated garage space if you’re residing in a historic district.

FAQs on Detached ADU

Are permits mandatory for detached ADUs?
Yes, you do require a permit to build a detached ADU in Modesto. A permit from your local jurisdiction is 100% mandatory to construct or build a new habitable space, either in an attached or detached form. You need to pay a certain amount of permit fee.
Can a junior ADU be in a detached form?
Yes, why not! It can be a relatively smaller unit in your backyard, with a maximum size limit of 500 sq. ft. if you do not require a bigger space or accommodation. This JADU can be in a totally detached form.

Converting A Detached Garage Into An ADU

Thanks to the new California ADU construction rules & guidelines, every Modesto homeowner can now convert their detached garage into an ADU. In fact, a single-family residence can build two different accessory dwelling units in detached form. But one definitely needs to be a smaller unit of 500 sq. ft. in size.

For a detached garage conversion, you also need to follow the setback clause of 4’ from the side and rear. Our engineers assist you in understanding all the technical details related to converting a detached garage into an accessory dwelling unit (ADU). in layman’s terms, it is a stand-alone backyard cottage being converted from a garage with all the living amenities and facilities.

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Frankie and Keny are the best remodeling contractors I’ve ever worked with. They remodeled two of our bathrooms and the kitchen, and everything turned out beautiful. What impressed me most was their honesty, efficiency, and how well they explained each part of the process. We never felt pressured, and they delivered high-quality results on time. Our new custom cabinets are solid and stylish, and the countertops are stunning. I’ve dealt with other contractors before, but none compare to FK Remodeling. We’re already planning our next project with them.

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We hired FK Remodeling for a full bathroom remodel, and they did an incredible job. Frankie and Keny took time to understand our needs and helped us design a layout that worked perfectly for our space. The tile work is flawless, and the custom vanity they built is both beautiful and functional. They handled all permits, communicated well, and were always on time. The whole experience was smooth and stress-free. I’ve already recommended them to my neighbors! Thank you for turning our outdated bathroom into a luxury retreat.

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I highly recommend Frankie & Keny Remodeling! We wanted a full kitchen renovation, and they truly delivered. Their attention to detail and quality materials made a huge difference. We loved that they offered custom cabinets—they built them exactly to our specs. The entire team was professional, friendly, and clearly experienced. I especially appreciated how they stuck to our budget without sacrificing quality. Our kitchen looks like it belongs in a design magazine. If you’re in San Joaquin County, do yourself a favor and hire FK Remodeling—you won’t regret it.

Angela M.

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I can’t say enough good things about Frankie & Keny Remodeling! From start to finish, they were professional, courteous, and extremely skilled. They remodeled my kitchen exactly how I envisioned it, down to the custom cabinets and quartz countertops. The craftsmanship is top-notch, and the team made sure I was happy every step of the way. I appreciated how clean they kept the job site and how they finished on time. If you’re looking for reliable remodelers in Modesto, FK Remodeling is the one to call!

Maria G.

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Working with FK Remodeling was a fantastic experience from the start. They were patient, responsive, and incredibly talented. We hired them to update our kitchen and master bath, and the transformation is amazing. The team was respectful of our home, always on time, and left the area clean every day. Their custom cabinetry exceeded our expectations, and the countertop work was impeccable. Frankie and Keny clearly take pride in their work, and it shows. I love my new spaces and have already recommended them to family and friends in the area.