California doesn’t limit how many bedrooms you can put in your accessory dwelling unit (ADU). But there are size restrictions that affect how many bedrooms will fit comfortably in your space. Here’s everything you need to know to plan an ADU’s bedroom count.

According to the Accessory Dwelling Unit Handbook from California’s Department of Housing and Community Development, there’s no legal maximum number of bedrooms. Each bedroom needs to be at least 70 square feet according to California’s Health and Safety Code, and shared bedrooms must have 50 square feet per person.

These requirements mean that while there’s no specific bedroom limit, the combination of minimum bedroom sizes and maximum overall square footage determines how many bedrooms can reasonably fit while maintaining comfortable living space.

An ADU is a self-contained living space that includes everything needed for daily life: cooking, sleeping, living, and bathroom facilities. You can build one on your property alongside your main house, but it needs approval from local planning departments first.

Available options include detached ADUs (stand-alone structures in backyards), attached ADUs (additions or conversions connected to main houses), and junior ADUs (smaller units up to 500 square feet that are part of the main house, also known as JADUs).

ADUs continue to gain momentum in California. In 2022 alone, California saw 13,439 new ADUs built. They’re popular because they can provide rental income, living space for family members, flexible work environments, and more.

Instead of maximizing bedroom count, focus on creating a space that works for your needs. Consider these key factors when planning your space.

ADUs offer significant advantages in California’s evolving housing landscape. They attract a wide range of tenants—from young professionals and students to retirees—while adding value and equity to the property. Since most ADUs are newly built, they offer excellent energy efficiency, keeping utility costs significantly lower than equivalently-sized homes.

For families with aging parents, an ADU can create a compelling balance of privacy and proximity. They can evolve with changing needs, serving as everything from a home office to a creative studio to a rental unit. This adaptability, combined with the potential for rental income, makes ADUs particularly valuable in California’s dynamic housing market.

Homeowners in California can expect to spend over $250,000 for an ADU, making one a significantly more affordable option than purchasing an additional property. Even with premium finishes and custom features, the total cost usually remains well below half the median California home price, which reached $784,989 in 2024.

Samara’s Backyard ADU models offer California homeowners multiple configurations to select from when adding a detached ADU to their property. Our studio ADU offers a chic, efficient layout with a generous walk-in shower, washer and dryer, complete kitchen and tons of built-in storage, and starts at $147,000 plus installation.

Homeowners who plan on renting out their completed ADU often choose our two bedroom ADU, which comes in just under 700 square feet. Our XL 8 and XL 10 models offer the most adaptive space. At 800 and 950 square feet, respectively, these two bedroom, two bathroom models feature primary bedrooms with luxe en suite bathrooms and plenty of amenities to feel right at home.

Design your ADU with Samara and let us take care of the logistics. Our ADU construction process can take as few as seven months. Customize your ADU today, or call us at 650-420-2607 to speak with one of our experts. 

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