The minimum distance required between an ADU and a property line (side or rear) or other structures.
California state law preempts local rules with a 4 ft minimum on side and rear setbacks. Some cities are stricter in specific zones (hillside, coastal). Front-yard setbacks are typically governed by the underlying zoning, not the state ADU law.
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.