Carson ADU Regulations & Zoning

In Carson, an attached ADUs can be up to 50% of the existing living area of the main dwelling unit, to a maximum of 1,000 square feet.

In Carson, an ADU must be a maximum of 16 feet high unless granted a special exemption by the city.

Two-story ADUs can be permitted in Carson, but they must follow height requirements. Without a special exemption, ADUs are limited to 16 feet. 16 feet is usually too low for two-story buildings, which typically require at least 18 feet.

Residential property can only be permitted for one ADU, so you will probably not be permitted for two ADUs, attached to each other or otherwise. However, multifamily property can be permitted for up to two detached ADUs, and itispossible to design those two ADUs to be attached to each other within one new structure.

No, a JADU is defined as a small ADU converted from existing space within the main structure of the primary dwelling unit. As such, it cannot be attached to an ADU.

Generally roof decks would be permitted on an ADU, but must meet the height restrictions for the zone. Roof decks cannot encroach into the required setbacks. As a rule of thumb, railings and access staircases above 42″ need to be included in height calculations.

Carson makes no mention of specific requirements for the exterior of the ADU. However, general guidance is that the exterior roofing, trim, walls, windows and the color palette of the ADU shall incorporate the same features as the primary dwelling unit.

Carson does not list a soils report among its required ADU submittal documents. The city's ADU application requires a completed ADU Plan Review Application, one electronic set of plans, and a signed and notarized covenant before approval is issued.

That said, the California Building Code can still trigger a soils or geotechnical report on a project-specific basis - typically when the work involves deep excavation, building on a slope, or construction near older structures. Confirm with Carson Building and Safety during plan check.

To start the plan check process, you’ll need to submit your ADU plans in-person to the city’s Planning Division.

The length of the plan check depends. It can take anywhere from 60 to 90 days to get your plans approved as they move from one department to the next. This can depend on how busy the city is, if your plans have any issues, and how many corrections you may have to make.

No, a separate electric and water meter is not required for an ADU. However, you may request one from the city.

Not necessarily. An ADUcanbe permitted under the existing address. If you want your ADU to have its own address, you can apply to the Mapping and Property Management Division (MPM) for a “½” address designation. In other words, if your address is 1234 Elm Street, your ADU could have a separate address of “1234½ Elm Street.”

Low Impact Development (LID) is an approach to land development or redevelopment that seeks to preserve and conserve onsite water quality and natural features, with minimal detrimental effect to local waterways and ecosystems. The City of Carson may require LID fees for larger ADUs.

Any ADU built within the last 15 years is exempt from rent control. The City of Carson limits rent increases to 3% per year for older, non-rent-controlled buildings. Newly-constructed ADUs are usually exempt.

You can use gas appliances in an ADU in the City of Carson as long as all building codes, safety standards, and installation guidelines are adhered to. The proper permits must be obtained, and requirements for safety and ventilation observed.

You are not required to put fire sprinklers in your ADU if the main dwelling unit is not required by law to have fire sprinklers.