Legal Bedroom Requirements in California

California Bedroom Requirements

According to California Building Code Standards, a bedroom is a room that’s at least 70 square feet with 7.5-foot high ceilings, some sort of egress, and adequate heating and ventilation. As for closets, the state doesn’t mandate or define what a proper closet looks like, so you’ll need to check with your local building department for their requirements – especially before submitting design plans for approval.

Minimum Bedroom Size in California

The minimum bedroom size in California is 70 square feet, and no room can be smaller than 7 feet on one side. This means that if your bedroom is 7 feet wide, it needs to be 10 feet long to allow for 70 total square feet.

While this is the minimum size for a bedroom, be aware that if you’re planning on renting your ADU or using it as an in-law suite, 70 square feet might not make for the most comfortable master bedroom – though it can be used comfortably as a spare bedroom, nursery, or office space in an ADU with multiple bedrooms.

When designing a bedroom to meet the 70-square-foot minimum, think beyond the basics. Smart furniture placement and versatile design turn this compact space into a comfortable and inviting retreat.

Egress Requirements

An egress is an easily accessible emergency exit. They’re an incredibly important zoning regulation when it comes to fire safety. Should your ADU ever catch on fire, methods of egress allow for those inside to safely escape.

In a bedroom, an egress can either be a door or a window, so long as both are fully operable and not nailed shut. The size of your bedroom windows also matters. The minimum window size for a point of egress is 5.7 square feet and cannot be any higher than 44 inches off the ground. This means that a skylight or transom window wouldn’t be considered an adequate method of egress, as they would either be too small and/or too high off the ground.

Egress requirements are about safety, but they’re also an opportunity. Windows like this not only provide a crucial escape route but also flood the room with natural light and fresh air, enhancing the overall living experience.

Ceiling Height Regulations

California Building Code Standards state the minimum ceiling height in a bedroom is at least 7 feet 6 inches, with some allowances made for sloped ceilings, especially in historic structures. These minimum height requirements help create comfort and accommodate taller residents.

Proper bedroom ceilings also support fire safety. It takes more time for fire and smoke to fill the room, giving residents more time to escape. It also allows for proper air circulation, which is important for maintaining healthy, breathable air inside an accessory structure.

Vaulted ceilings like these not only meet California’s height regulations but also add a feeling of grandeur and openness to your ADU’s living spaces. A higher ceiling can make a room feel larger, more comfortable, and inviting—perfect for a modern, airy design.

Heating and Ventilation

Adequate heating and ventilation sources allow a room to stay warm enough in the cool months and cool enough in the warm months to ensure a comfortable, habitable space year-round.

Adequate heating in bedrooms is especially important if you intend on renting your ADU. California State Housing Law states that property owners must provide a permanent heat source in each bedroom that can maintain a temperature of at least 70 degrees Fahrenheit. This can be a central heating system, a wall heater, or a baseboard heat source. Portable heating units like space heaters don’t count.

Bedrooms must also have operable windows or other approved openings to provide enough natural ventilation within the room. This not only maintains air quality but also prevents mold and moisture build-up. If your ADU uses central air conditioning, your HVAC system must contain air returns or transfer ducts to ensure proper air circulation, and if your ADU bedroom contains a gas fireplace, additional ventilation may need to be put in place. Check your city standards as to what that additional ventilation needs to be.

Comfort is key in any bedroom, especially if you’re planning to rent your ADU. This efficient HVAC system not only meets California’s heating requirements but also ensures proper air circulation, which prevents moisture and keeps tenants happy.

Does a Bedroom Have to Have a Closet in California?

The state of California doesn’t explicitly say that closets are a requirement for legal bedrooms. Closet alternatives like alcoves, built-ins, and, in some cases, portable wardrobes can be acceptable. This varies from city to city, though. Some cities allow some workarounds, like built-ins, but not others, like portable wardrobes.

Even if you aren’t planning to use every bedroom in your ADU as a true bedroom, it’s still good to know what your city regulations are when it comes to closets. Having as many legal bedrooms in the ADU as possible, even if they aren’t used as bedrooms, will maximize your ADU’s value.

While closets aren’t always required, built-ins like this enhance both functionality and appeal. Adding ample storage space makes your ADU more versatile, whether it’s used as a rental or for family living.

Does a Bedroom Have to Have a Window in California?

We mentioned that windows are important to provide both an emergency exit and a source of ventilation. They are also important to bring in natural light.

Natural light isn’t just a selling point for real estate agents; it’s actually a requirement for all living spaces, especially bedrooms. When it comes to natural light, the state of California says that at least 8% of the floor area must be provided as natural light by way of windows. This means that if your room has 100 feet of floor space, you must have 8 square feet of glazed window space.

If you can’t accommodate traditional windows for whatever reason, you can still meet the natural light requirements by adding skylights or a glass-paned door. The door will provide you with the egress you need, and the glass panes will bring in natural light.

Windows do double duty in California bedrooms—providing essential light and meeting egress standards. Thoughtfully placed, they not only satisfy code but also create a welcoming, well-lit space that renters and homeowners alike will love.

Ensuring Compliance with California’s Bedroom Requirements

Ensuring each of the bedrooms in your ADU or JADU meets the egress, height, ventilation, light, and size requirements is important. If you submit design plans that don’t meet these requirements, you won’t receive a building permit, which can delay your project and result in additional fees. If certain requirements are missed or overlooked during construction, your unit will ultimately fail inspection and won’t receive clearance for occupancy.

At Better Place Design & Build, we know all the legal requirements for bedrooms, living spaces, and general accessory buildings to ensure a smooth process from start to finish. Take a look at our vetted designs, which meet all the requirements we just mentioned, and then reach out for a free consultation to see what’s possible within your lot and within your construction budget.