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Getting Started
There are many ways to create accessory dwelling units (ADU) or junior accessory dwelling units (JADU) on your property. Following is an overview of the terms the Town of Truckee uses to describe ADUs and JADUs.
Attached ADU
An attached ADU is within or directly connected to an existing or proposed primary dwelling or its attached garage, having a wall and/or other conditioned space in common. This can include remodeling an existing permitted living space into an ADU, converting existing non-living space into an ADU, adding square footage or an additional floor to the primary dwelling or its attached garage to create an ADU, etc.
Junior ADU (JADU)
A JADU is a smaller type of attached dwelling unit that is no more than 500 square feet in size
Detached ADU
A detached ADU is physically separated from an existing or proposed primary dwelling and its attached garage, not sharing a common wall or other conditioned space. This includes converting an existing detached structure into an ADU, adding square footage or an additional floor to an existing detached structure to create an ADU, constructing a new detached structure to create an ADU, etc.
New ADU Creation
- Download and review Nevada County Environmental Health Department ADU Septic Capacity Information (PDF)
- Review ADU Code Standards (PDF)
- Review the Permit Application Process
- Review Fees
- Review ADU Loans and Mini-Grants (for construction and/or permitting) and Workforce Rental Grant Program (financial incentive for providing workforce housing)
- Contact other local agencies (see bottom of this page) about requirements and fees (sanitation, electricity, water, etc.)
Email Jaime LaChance, Senior Planner, to set up a meeting to review your ADU concept.
Consider hiring a professional to develop your ADU design per the Town Code and staff feedback and assist with the building permit process.
Learn more details on the Permitting Your New ADU page.
Existing, Unpermitted ADU
I have an ADU and/or Junior ADU but it is not permitted, what should I do?
Visit the Permitting Your Existing ADU page for a list of steps and instructions.
Rules & Standards for Building / Permitting an ADU / Junior ADU in Truckee
Whether you are creating a new ADU, converting a living space, or aiming to bring an existing ADU into compliance, all need to meet today's Town of Truckee Development Code Standards. These Standards describe such things as size, height, setback, and height limits required for your ADU.
The following is information about the Town of Truckee ADU Development Standards:
Other Agency Contact Information
Nevada County Environmental Health Department (Truckee)
Truckee Sanitary District
- Collection and conveyance of wastewater
- Phone: 530-587-3804
- Truckeesan.org - Residential Permit Information page
Tahoe Truckee Sanitation Agency
- Treatment of wastewater
- Phone: 530-587-2525
- Tahoe-Truckee Sanitation Agency website
Truckee Donner Public Utility District
- Phone: 530-587-3896
- Truckee Donner Public Utility District website
Liberty Utilities
- Phone: 800-782-2506
- California Liberty Utilities - General Inquires page