Studio
L-shaped studio around a patio
Studio1 bath
Home · Service areas · Orange
ADU design-build · OrangeADUs in Orange
From Old Towne bungalows to hillside homes in the east, the City of Orange has character worth keeping: a well-designed ADU adds space without breaking it.
What applies to your lot
Building an ADU in Orange
Who approves your ADU
City of Orange: the Planning Division of Community Development reviews ADUs. State law applies everywhere: a decision within 60 days of a complete application, no public hearing, and at least 800 sq ft with 4 ft side and rear setbacks.
Old Towne Historic District
Old Towne is one of the largest historic districts in California. An ADU there is still allowed, but conversions inside existing structures need a historic evaluation first.
Design that fits the street
In Old Towne, the city applies its Historic Preservation Design Standards. A backyard ADU is usually out of sight; what shows from the street is reviewed with more care.
Outside Old Towne
Most of Orange follows the standard path: plans checked against state and city rules, without a hearing.
California law, everywhere
The rules every city must respect
800 sq ft
Every city must allow at least an 800 sq ft detached ADU with 4 ft setbacks.
4 ft
Maximum side and rear setback for a new detached ADU.
750 sq ft
No impact fees up to this size.
60 days
To approve or deny a complete application, without a hearing.
Ideas for your lot
Plans that suit Orange lots
1 bedroom
L-shaped one-bedroom
1 bed1 bath
2 bedrooms
Compact two-bedroom
2 beds1 bath
FAQ
ADU questions in Orange
Who approves an ADU in Orange?
The City of Orange, not Orange County. We check first whether your parcel is inside the Old Towne district.
My house is in Old Towne. Can I still build?
Yes. Old Towne adds a design and historic review; it does not ban ADUs. We plan that step into the schedule.
Do you come to my property?
Yes. The visit is free: we look at the lot, the access and the utilities, then give you a realistic estimate.
Free feasibility call
Book a free 15-minute feasibility call
A project lead reviews your address, tells you what your lot can hold and gives you a first look at your financing eligibility.
What you get
- Free, with no obligation
- A clear answer on what your lot can hold
- A first look at financing eligibility, by phone or at your property
- A site visit only if it makes sense
Prefer to talk now? (424) 448-4895
Email: [email protected]
Los Angeles, CA · We come to your property
1 · Preferred time2 · Your property3 · Confirmed
Preferred day (Pacific time)
Preferred time
Tell us when to call you. A project lead calls you back at that time of day (Pacific time).
Your call is booked
We’ll confirm by text or phone. No obligation.
Service areas
Serving homeowners across Los Angeles
Los Angeles, the South Bay and Orange County, within about 40 miles of Paramount. Farther on request.
Service areas
ADU rules, city by city
Permits, fire and coastal zones, pre-approved plans: see what applies in the 36 cities we serve.
Central Los AngelesSan Fernando ValleyThousand OaksSimi ValleyParamountWest AdamsMid-CityCulver CityLong BeachDowneyWhittierNorwalkTorranceInglewoodComptonCarsonAnaheimSanta AnaIrvineHuntington BeachPasadenaGlendaleBurbankRialto (on request)Garden GroveOrangeFullertonCosta MesaNewport BeachTustinSherman OaksEncinoVan NuysWoodland HillsNorthridgeCalabasas