City of Upland

Accessory Dwelling Units

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).

***Check out the Upland ADU website, a step-by-step reference to walk you through your Accessory Dwelling Unit journey, from creating an initial concept, gaining a better understanding of ADU requirements, estimating construction and permitting costs, navigating the permitting and approval process, constructing an ADU, and renting it out. This is available at https://uplandadu.org/

Additional Resources:

ADU Process at a Glance

Pre-Approved ADU Plans

ADU-Frequently Asked Questions

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.

Who do I contact with ADU questions?

You will need to contact both Planning and Building & Safety Divisions.

Planning Division (909-931-4130): Determines if your property allows JADUs, attached and/or detached ADUs; provides zoning and developments standards for ADUs and JADUs; verifies maximum size, setbacks, parking, and height requirements. Provides best practices for integrating ADUs/JADUs on historic properties.
Building and Safety Division (909-931-4110): Reviews mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and structural plans for compliance with California building codes. Issues building permits and provides inspections. Calculates Development Impact Fees.

Both Divisions can also be met with at the Development Services Department in City Hall.

What types of Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) are there?

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.

Choose an ADU if: You want an independent attached or separate detached structure for maximum privacy or have a higher construction budget.

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.

Choose a JADU if: You have a limited budget, want to convert a spare room or garage, and need a space for one person (e.g., family member, college student).

Where can I find more information on ADUs?

For additional detailed information on development ADUs and JADUs, the Upland ADU Website Guide can be found online at uplandadu.org

What you can find on this website:

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

Does the City have any Pre-Approved ADU Plans that I can use?

Yes! The City of Upland now provides free, permit-ready Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) plans for Upland residents. These pre-approved designs make it easier and more affordable for homeowners to build small, efficient, and code-compliant ADUs.

While an applicant will still need to create a site plan, specific to the property, that shows the proposed location of the ADU, its setbacks from property lines, and the separation from existing structures, they may use a Pre-Approved ADU plan that has already been reviewed for compliance with the California Building Code, California Residential Code, and the Upland Municipal Code, allowing you to move through the permitting process more quickly.

You can find more information on Pre-Approved ADU plans, here.

Can I create a Pre-Approved ADU Template for others to use?

Yes. Interested architects or designers may submit Pre-Approved ADU Template plans for review of the California Building Code, California Residential Code, and the Upland Municipal Code. Once approved by the City's Building and Safety Division, general information on the nature of the Pre-Approved ADU Template (i.e. type, size, bedrooms, etc.) and the Architect/Designer's contact information will be uploaded to the City's website to inform homeowners of additional Pre-Approved ADU Template options that may make their permitting process quicker and more streamlined. Pre-Approved ADU Template applications can be submitted on the City's Citizen Self Service Portal. For questions on the building permit process, contact Building and Safety at (909) 931-4110.