In conjunction with recent California State requirements, the City has initiated various efforts to increase housing availability. One effort is to allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs) to be developed on single-family and multi-family properties. This page provides an explanation of the City's requirements for ADUs and junior accessory dwelling units (ADUs).

What is an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)?

ADU's are attached or detached residential dwelling units, which are secondary in nature to a primary dwelling. Also known as "mother-in-law suites" or "granny flats," ADUs provide complete independent living facilities for one or more persons. This includes permanent provisions for sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation.

What is a Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit (JADU)?

A JADU is a residential dwelling unit that is no more than 500 square feet in area, contained entirely within a proposed or existing single-family dwelling or attached garage, and can have bath/sanitation facilities that are either separate or shared with the existing single-family dwelling.

Where can I build an ADU?

ADUs may be permitted on properties in zoning districts where residential uses are allowed. For additional reference, you can view the City's zoning map here: Zoning Map

In addition to meeting zoning district use standards, ADUs need to be designed in compliance with development standards established in 17.37 of the Upland Municipal Code.

Additional Assistance:

Feel free to call the City of Upland Planning Division at (909) 931-4130 with any questions, you can also email us here!

Upland has launched a new ADU program with resources for homeowners interested in building small backyard homes. Visit uplandadu.org to see our resources and a comprehensive step-by-step guide to building your own ADU!

New resources will be free to the public and available both in printed Guidebooks and online.

• Detailed guides to ADU development in Upland, from initial inspiration to move-in 
• Interactive activities and exercises to help you plan your ADU
• ADU calculator to estimate costs
• A summary of local ADU development standards
• Stories of ADUs built in your community

Assembly Bill (AB) 1332 requires California cities and municipalities to develop a program for pre-approving ADU plans by January 1, 2025. The goal of this law is to simplify and speed up the process of getting ADUs approved and permitted. As such, the City of Upland has established a pre-approved ADU process.