Introduction
Emerald Hills offers a unique blend of suburban tranquility and progressive development standards, making it an ideal location for ADUs. The region’s regulations are designed to encourage sustainable growth while maintaining the area’s charm and character. ‘ADU Specialist Bay Area’ can provide expert guidance through the intricate process of ADU development, ensuring compliance and maximizing your property’s potential.
Essential ADU Rules for Emerald Hills
What you can build
Maximum size
1,200 sq ft for detached ADUs.
Side / rear setbacks
Minimum 4 feet.
Two stories
Allowed with restrictions.
Building separation
Minimum 6 feet between structures.
Permitting timeline
Standard
Typically 60 days.
Coastal
Extended to 90 days for review.
Zoning Regulations in Emerald Hills
Emerald Hills’ zoning regulations are crafted to balance growth and community aesthetics. ADUs must adhere to specific residential zoning requirements, which dictate the placement and size of the unit.
ADU Size Limitations
| Lot Size | Single-Family (Maximum Floor Area Allowed) | Duplex and Multi-Family (Maximum Floor Area Allowed) |
| Under 7000 | 700 sq ft | Not permitted |
| 7000 - 9999 | 800 sq ft | 1 ADU + 450 sq ft per existing unit (up to 1000 sq ft max) |
| 10000 - 12999 | 900 sq ft | 1 ADU + 500 sq ft per existing unit (up to 1000 sq ft max) |
| 13000 - 19999 | 1000 sq ft | 1 ADU + 550 sq ft per existing unit (up to 1200 sq ft max) |
| 20000+ | 1200 sq ft | 1 ADU + 600 sq ft per existing unit (up to 1200 sq ft max) |
ADU Height Limitations
The maximum height for an ADU in Emerald Hills is 16 feet for detached units and 18 feet for attached units.
Building coverage
ADU building coverage must not exceed 50% of the existing yard area.
Location
| Property Type | Location Requirement |
| Single-Family Homes | Attached ADUs: Must be attached to the main dwelling. |
| Detached ADUs: Must be in the rear yard area. | |
| Junior ADUs (JADUs): Must be within the primary residence. | |
| Duplex and Multifamily | Attached ADUs: Must be part of the existing building structure. |
| Detached ADUs: Must be within the same lot as the main units. |
Exterior details
Emerald Hills mandates that ADUs maintain architectural harmony with the primary residence, ensuring consistent exterior design, materials, and colors.
Parking
Parking requirements include one additional space per ADU, which can be provided as tandem parking on an existing driveway.
Setbacks and buffer zones
Emerald Hills requires a minimum setback of 4 feet from side and rear property lines for ADUs, promoting adequate spacing and privacy.
Minimum Lot Area
| Lot Size | Minimum Lot Area for ADU | Description |
| Under 7000 | ADUs not permitted | Lot size too small to accommodate additional units. |
| 7000 - 9999 | 7000 sq ft | Sufficient space for a single ADU. |
| 10000 - 12999 | 10000 sq ft | Allows for more expansive ADU development. |
| 13000 - 19999 | 13000 sq ft | Suitable for larger ADUs or multiple units. |
| 20000+ | No minimum lot area requirement | Ample space for flexible ADU placement and size. |
Connection for utilities
Utility connections for ADUs in Emerald Hills must be independent from the main dwelling, ensuring efficient management of services.
Fire safety
ADUs must comply with local fire safety regulations, including smoke alarms, egress windows, and fire-resistant materials.
Room specifications
- Sleeping Areas: Must include proper ventilation, natural light, and an egress window for safety.
- Kitchen: Should be fully equipped with a stove, refrigerator, and adequate counter space.
- Bathroom: Requires a sink, toilet, and shower or bathtub, with proper ventilation.
- Storage: Must provide sufficient storage solutions, such as closets and cabinetry, for occupant needs.
Short-term Rentals and Home Occupations Regulations
Short-term rentals of ADUs are allowed under specific conditions, including registration and compliance with local occupancy limits.
Building codes
Emerald Hills requires all ADUs to adhere to the California Building Code, ensuring safety and structural integrity.
Emerald Hills ADU Permit Guidelines
| Permit Type | Description | Estimated Fee |
| Building Permit | Required for ADU construction. | $2500 - $5000 |
| Electrical Permit | Necessary for wiring work. | $400 - $700 |
| Plumbing Permit | Needed for plumbing installations. | $400 - $700 |
| Mechanical Permit | Required for HVAC systems. | $400 - $700 |
| Grading Permit | For site preparation. | $300 - $500 |
| Site Development Permit | Required for site alterations. | $300 - $500 |
| Zoning Permit | Ensures zoning compliance. | $200 - $400 |
Property requirements
Properties must comply with zoning, setback, and design guidelines, ensuring harmonious integration of ADUs into the community fabric.
Parking
Each ADU must provide one off-street parking space, which can be tandem.
Front setbacks
Front setbacks for ADUs must align with the existing primary residence’s setback lines.
Side and rear setbacks
Side and rear setbacks must be a minimum of 4 feet from the property line.
Open space and rear yards
ADUs should not occupy more than 50% of the required rear yard open space, preserving recreational areas.
Properties that qualify
To determine your property’s eligibility for ADU development, contact the Emerald Hills Planning Department.
- Verify that your property is within Emerald Hills’ jurisdiction.
- Check the specific residential zones that permit ADUs. Common zones in Emerald Hills include R-1, R-2, and R-M.
- Other General Plan designations that permit ADUs:
- Residential Mixed-Use (RMU): Allows integration of residential units within commercial or mixed-use zones.
- Transit-Oriented Development (TOD): Promotes ADUs near public transit hubs to reduce vehicle dependency.
- Specific Plan areas: Certain areas with tailored development guidelines allowing for ADUs.
Development standards
Single-family
- Attached: Must maintain architectural consistency with the primary residence.
- Detached: Should be situated in the rear yard and comply with height limitations.
Duplex properties
- Attached: Can be integrated into the existing duplex structure, maintaining design coherence.
- Detached: Must be located in rear or side yards, adhering to setback requirements.
Multifamily properties
- Attached: Can be incorporated into existing multifamily buildings, typically in underutilized spaces.
- Detached: Should be placed within the property’s designated open space, following height and setback regulations.
Junior ADUs (JADUs)
JADUs must be within the primary dwelling, with a maximum size of 500 sq ft, including a kitchenette and independent entrance.
Property designations
- Flood Zones: ADUs in flood zones must comply with FEMA regulations, including elevation requirements.
- Geohazard Zones: Properties in geohazard zones need additional structural assessments to ensure safety.
- Historic Designation: ADUs on historic properties must preserve the architectural integrity of the primary structure.
- Easements: Ensure no utility or access easements are obstructed by ADU development.
Summary
Emerald Hills presents an ideal environment for ADU development, blending regulatory support with community aesthetics. With clear guidelines and the assistance of ‘ADU Specialist Bay Area,’ property owners can navigate the ADU development process efficiently. By adhering to local regulations, homeowners can enhance their property value and contribute to the region’s growth.
FAQ
The maximum size for a detached ADU in Emerald Hills is 1,200 square feet, providing ample space for comfortable living.
Yes, detached ADUs can be up to 16 feet high, while attached units can reach 18 feet.
ADUs must have a minimum side and rear setback of 4 feet from the property line.
Two-story ADUs are allowed but must meet specific design and height limitations.
The standard permitting timeline is around 60 days, but it may extend to 90 days in coastal areas.
No, ADUs are not permitted on lots smaller than 7,000 square feet.
One additional off-street parking space is required for each ADU.
Yes, ADUs must have independent utility connections from the main dwelling.
ADUs are permitted in most residential zones, including R-1, R-2, and R-M.
Short-term rentals are allowed but must comply with local occupancy and registration requirements.
For lots between 7,000 and 9,999 square feet, the minimum lot area for an ADU is 7,000 square feet.
ADUs must maintain architectural harmony with the primary residence in terms of design and materials.
Yes, JADUs are permitted and must be within the primary dwelling, with a maximum size of 500 sq ft.
ADUs in flood zones must comply with FEMA regulations, including elevation standards.
Building permits for ADUs typically range from $2,500 to $5,000.
Contact the Emerald Hills Planning Department to verify property eligibility and zoning compliance.
Garage conversions are allowed and must meet the same regulations as other ADU types.
ADUs must comply with local fire safety codes, including smoke alarms and egress windows.
Yes, ADUs must adhere to the California Building Code for safety and structural standards.
ADUs in geohazard zones require additional structural assessments to ensure safety.
The exterior design must match the primary residence in terms of materials and colors.
Typically, only one ADU is allowed per single-family lot, with additional restrictions for multifamily properties.
The estimated cost for an electrical permit ranges from $400 to $700.
Yes, ADUs can be used for home occupations, subject to local zoning regulations.
ADUs should not occupy more than 50% of the required rear yard open space.
