Detached & Attached ADU Services | Bay Area ADU Design
Arbel Design provides custom ADU floor plans and ADU and JADU design services across San Jose, San Francisco, Fremont, Campbell, and throughout the Bay Area, as well as Los Angeles.
We combine professional building design services with expert guidance to help homeowners build functional, beautiful accessory dwelling units.
If you are looking to hire JADU designer or find ADU designer near me, our team delivers tailored solutions for each property.
What Is an ADU?
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are secondary residential units on the same lot as a main home. In California, ADUs are often used for:
- Rental income
- Housing family members
- Increasing property value
- Flexible living space
Our custom ADU floor plans maximize light, space, and privacy while ensuring compliance with California state and local regulations. With our JADU conversion experts, interior conversions are seamless, functional, and fully approved.
California ADU Regulations – Key Rules
Understanding regulations is key to a smooth project:
- Conversions: Garages, basements, and accessory structures often have fewer restrictions.
- Setbacks: Detached ADUs generally require 4-foot side and rear setbacks.
- Parking: Replacement parking is usually not required near transit or for garage conversions.
- Height: Detached ADUs allow 16–18 ft; attached units up to 25 ft.
- Junior ADUs (JADUs): Up to 500 sq ft, inside the main home, often require owner occupancy.
- Impact Fees: ADUs under 750 sq ft pay no fees; larger units pay proportional fees.
- State Law Priority: State regulations override conflicting local rules.
Our team of ADU designer near me ensures every design follows local and state requirements efficiently.
ADU Types We Design
We provide flexible solutions to suit every property:
Detached ADUs
- Backyard cottages for privacy and outdoor living
- Designed with custom ADU floor plans
Attached ADUs
- Connected to the main home while maintaining separate living space
Garage Conversions
- Transform garages into fully compliant living units
Interior ADUs & JADUs
- Interior conversions handled by ADU and JADU conversion experts
- JADU units up to 500 sq ft with seamless layouts
Our ADU and JADU design services help homeowners easily hire ADU and JADU designer and achieve their project goals.
Featured ADU Projects
Campbell Detached Backyard ADU – 1,175 SF | 2 Bed | 2 Bath
Located 55 feet behind the main house, this detached ADU provides privacy. Bedrooms are at opposite ends, with a vaulted central living area.
Highlights:
- 2-bedroom 2-bathroom layout
- Vaulted ceiling great room
- Wood and stucco exterior
- Backyard patio for indoor-outdoor living
- Approved on first submission
Fremont Second-Floor ADU – 640 SF | 1 Bed | 1 Bath
Built above the garage and living room of the main residence, with separate exterior stairs for privacy. Large windows and a balcony maximize light and outdoor access.
San Jose Backyard ADU – 800 SF | 2 Bed | 2 Bath
Designed for a narrow lot, this U-shaped ADU surrounds a private courtyard. Bedrooms sit on opposite sides, with a central living area and kitchen opening to the courtyard.
ADU Design Process & Services
Property Review
Work with our experienced team of ADU designer near me to assess zoning, ordinances, and project feasibility.
Concept Design & Floor Plans
We create custom ADU floor plans tailored to your lot, goals, and style.
Construction Documents
Full permit-ready drawings, including site plans, floor plans, elevations, sections, and structure and Title 24 coordination.
Permit Submittal & Follow-Up
We manage city approvals to ensure a smooth process using our professional building design services and JADU conversion experts.
Cities We Serve
Arbel Design provides ADU and JADU design services across:
San Jose, San Francisco, Fremont, Campbell, Sunnyvale, Cupertino, Los Gatos, Los Angeles
Whether you want to hire JADU designer or consult with ADU designer near me, our team ensures homeowners build legal, functional, and valuable ADUs and JADUs.