ADU Cities: Design, Permitting, and Construction Services
ADU Cities is a design-build firm specializing in Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), Junior ADUs (JADUs), room conversions, garage conversions, and remodels. Their approach covers the full project lifecycle — from initial design through permitting and construction — with a focus on functionality, compliance, and quality craftsmanship.
Their services are structured around three core phases:
- Design: Each project is tailored to the client's property specifications, lifestyle, and local regulations. Plans are developed to maximize space efficiency and support property value.
- Permitting: ADU Cities manages the entire permitting process, including document preparation and submission. Their team is familiar with California's ADU regulations and works to keep projects on track through the approval process.
- Construction: The build phase emphasizes quality materials, timely completion, and minimal disruption. Clients are kept informed throughout the process.
Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior ADUs
As an accessory dwelling unit builder, ADU Cities handles both detached and attached ADU projects. Whether a property owner is looking for a detached ADU to house guests, a granny flat for extended family, or a rental unit for supplemental income, the team guides clients through California's regulatory requirements while working toward a design that fits the existing property.
Their ADUs are built as turnkey units, equipped with the amenities of a primary residence. The company positions itself as a garage conversion contractor and backyard cottage builder as well, converting underutilized structures into fully functional living spaces.
For those working with smaller lots or tighter budgets, ADU Cities also offers JADU contractor services. Junior ADUs — limited to 500 square feet and contained within the existing structure of a single-family home — are designed to integrate with the home's current layout. JADUs share utilities with the main residence, which simplifies the construction process and reduces costs. A property can have both an ADU and a JADU on the same lot under California state law.
Key aspects of their ADU and JADU services include:
- Custom design that complements the existing property aesthetic
- Regulatory navigation through California's ADU laws and local ordinances
- Space efficiency, particularly for compact lots or conversions
- Durable construction using quality materials and methods
Additional Services: Conversions and Remodeling
Beyond ADU and JADU construction, ADU Cities provides garage conversion and room conversion services. Their team works to reimagine underused spaces — such as converting a garage into a home office or transforming an unused room into a functional living area. Each conversion is planned and executed with attention to how the new space integrates with the rest of the home.
ADU Cities also offers remodeling services, helping homeowners update and improve existing spaces such as kitchens and living areas. These projects follow the same design-build process, with the team managing planning, design, and construction through to completion.
For those navigating California's ADU regulations, it's worth noting a few key points under current state law:
- ADUs must be permitted in all residential or mixed-use zones statewide.
- Statewide exemption ADUs are allowed up to 800 square feet, with most jurisdictions permitting up to 1,200 square feet.
- ADUs under 750 square feet are exempt from impact fees.
- Existing structures such as garages can be converted into ADUs without being subject to additional development standards.
- Both an ADU and a JADU may be built on the same single-family lot.
ADU Cities operates as a full-service ADU contractor and in-law suite builder, managing projects from concept through completion. Their process is intended to provide a straightforward experience for property owners looking to add living space, generate rental income, or make better use of their existing property.
