ADU Regulations in Mariposa County, California (2026)

Regulations at a glance

Local rules & notes

Choice of Permit Type: Homeowners can choose between an ADU permit or a 'Secondary Residence' permit. Secondary Residences allow short-term rentals but must meet more stringent current height and setback standards. Exceptional Height Allowance: The base height limit of 35 feet is rare and allows for multi-story ADUs or units over garages without complex variances. Landlord Partnership Program (LPP): A unique county program providing cash bonuses, renter pre-screening, and rent loss prevention for landlords renting to families with federal assistance.

For the official ordinance and latest updates, check your city or county planning department.

Frequently asked questions about ADU regulations in Mariposa County

• What is the maximum ADU size in Mariposa County, California?

  In Mariposa County, the maximum ADU size is typically 1200 square feet, depending on whether the unit is attached or detached. California state law allows up to 1,200 sq ft for detached ADUs and 800 sq ft for attached in many jurisdictions; Mariposa County may follow state defaults or have local limits. Verify with Mariposa County planning for your specific lot.

• What are the setback requirements for ADUs in Mariposa County?

  In Mariposa County, typical setback requirements are 4 feet from the side property line and 4 feet from the rear. These may be reduced to 4 feet under California Government Code § 65852.2 where applicable. Check with Mariposa County planning for overlay zones or design standards that could affect your site.

• What is the maximum height for an ADU in Mariposa County?

  In Mariposa County, the maximum height for an ADU is generally 35 feet. State law often allows up to 16 feet for detached ADUs and up to 25 feet when within 4 feet of the property line in some cases. Confirm with Mariposa County or county planning for your zone.

• Is ADU approval ministerial in Mariposa County?

  In Mariposa County, ADU approval is typically Ministerial (by-right) per Gov Code §65852.2. Ministerial (by-right) review means the city must approve qualifying applications without discretionary review, per California Gov Code § 65852.2. Your project must still meet objective standards; Mariposa County planning can confirm the exact process.

• Are there parking requirements for ADUs in Mariposa County?

  In Mariposa County, parking for ADUs is generally true. California law often waives parking for ADUs within a half-mile of transit or in certain historic districts. Check with Mariposa County planning for your address.