Online Resources

Presence of a link in this document does not convey a guarantee of any type, and is not a County recommendation of a product, business or resource.

These links are presented for informational purposes only. There are many other resources available on-line as well.

To help us maintain this list, please report broken links to Natisha.Williams@santacruzcountyca.gov.

General Guidance and Regulations

ADU Guidance - State Regulations

• California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) ADU Guidance
• HCD ADU Handbook December 2020

Guidance from Santa Cruz County

• County Geographic Information System (GIS): Look up Parcel Information
• County Zoning Ordinance: ADU Regulations (Chapter 13.10.681)
• Discretionary Permit & Zoning Publications
• Geology and Soils resources
• Grading information
• Environmental Health Services, for Septic System Guidance
• Septic System Evaluation Service
• Tax Assessor – Property Tax FAQ

Construction Cost Estimating

• Accessory Dwelling Unit Calculator (San Mateo County Second Unit Resources Center)
• Building Advisor
• SmartSheet

Fees and Related Costs

• Santa Cruz County ADU Fee, Cost and Cash Flow Estimator
• Unified Fee Schedule
• Calculating Costs of Installing Separate PG&E Meters
• Calculating Costs of Water Connections to ADUs in the Soquel Creek Water District

Design and Construction Process

• Basic steps for creating an ADU
• Casita Coalition (best practices webinars and other ADU resources)

Financing and Lending Information

Interest Rates, Lenders, and Mortgage Calculators

These websites can provide updated information on interest rates and other lending information. Also included here is local lender Santa Cruz County Bank.

• Bankrate
• Zillow
• SC County Bank

Calculating Increase in Assessed Property Value

• State Board of Equalization Residential Building Costs
• Santa Cruz County Assessor – What Happens When I Build on My Property?

ADU Financing Assistance

• Habitat for Humanity ADU Programs

Landlord and Rental Information

Advice for New Landlords

• Becoming a Landlord: Rewards, Risks, and Responsibilities (Fannie Mae 2008)
• California Association of Realtors Lease Template Tool
• Santa Cruz County Housing Authority – Housing Choice Voucher Program

Sources for Current Rent Data

• UC Santa Cruz Housing Office – Current listings
• UC Santa Cruz Housing Office – summary of a year of rental data
• Craigslist for Rentals in Santa Cruz County

ADU Plans Available for Download

• California Precut Homes
• Cutting Edge Homes
• HousePlans.com
• Ideal Homes