BackyardADU

Efficiency Kitchen / Kitchenette

A small kitchen with limited features — typically a sink, small refrigerator, and cooking facility (hot plate, induction, or microwave) but no full oven.

Why it matters

California state law permits efficiency kitchens in JADUs (a full kitchen is not required). For ADUs, a full kitchen with an oven is typically required for the unit to qualify as an independent dwelling.

Related terms

See also

Part of the BackyardADU California ADU Glossary — plain-English definitions of the regulatory, construction, and financing terms you'll encounter during a California ADU project.