Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit aka JADU

[Mae Garcia]

Hey BP community,

Does anyone have any experience with Junior Accessory Dwelling Units or JADU?

I'm trying to turn a SFR into 3 units with and ADU and a JADU. Per my city's regulation in CA, the lot is only allowed one ADU that is limited in size and can only be 1 bedroom. My converted garage will serve as an ADH. But the main unit has a bedroom and bathroom that is attached to the house but also has a private enterance In the back. I cannot make this into an ADU because I'll exceed the limitation of one ADU per lot. Researching answers I found I can try to rezone (nearly impossible) or make it an JADU.

If I'm correct, the main difference between a JADU and ADU is the JADU must maintain access to the main house (ie a door with a deadbolt). This allows the main house to still be considered a single family residence. It is also limited in size (500 sqft), it has to have a private enterance, and it has to have a kitchenette. But it does not have to have a separate bathroom and it does not have to have separated meters. Because it's still attached to the main house via a doorway it does not have to go through all regulations like fire codes.

Just wondering if anyone has dealt with JADU in their properties. 

Thanks!