0

ADU/JADU Development Standards

You are here: Home Unified Permit Center Discretionary Permits & Zoning Publications ADU/JADU Development Standards
ADU Resources

The ADU home page (https://cdi.santacruzcountyca.gov/Planning/Housing/ADU.aspx) provides a wealth of information and resources, including:

  • Parcel look-up tool that will provide the ADU max floor area and other standards.
  • Fee estimator
  • Financing information
  • Parking requirements
  • How To Guide
  • Building Permit instructions
  • Pre-approved plans
  • Property tax info
  • Septic system evaluation service
  • Online resources
SB9 Information

Under State law SB9, eligible urban parcels in single-family zone districts may be split and two primary dwellings built on each parcel, or a primary dwelling and ADU on each.

The SB9 home page (https://cdi.santacruzcountyca.gov/UPC/BuildingPermitsSafety/BuildingPermitsIndex/StateLaws/SenateBill9.aspx) provides information on eligibility, site standards and how to apply for a pre-application review.

Summary

This bulletin provides the site and structural standards for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADUs) and dwelling units with an efficiency kitchen added. Most of these regulations are found in County Code §13.10.681. See 13.10.700-E for the definition of efficiency kitchen.

Parking

Conversion and Junior ADUs:

No new parking is required for conversion ADUs or Junior ADUs. In certain coastal zone areas (including the Live Oak and Seascape / La Selva Designated Areas), replacement parking is required when spaces are demolished for new or conversion ADUs, however, even in these areas replacement parking is not required for JADUs.

New Construction ADUs:

One additional parking space is required for a New Construction ADU unless it qualifies for any of the following exceptions and is outside certain coastal zone areas:

  1. The ADU is located within 0.5 mile of a public transit stop.
  2. The ADU is on a designated historic site.
  3. A dedicated parking space for a car-share vehicle is located within one block.

ADU parking may be double or triple tandem. On streets subject to permit parking, ADU occupants shall be provided with a permit.

Non-Conforming Parking:

If an existing primary dwelling unit has fewer parking spaces than required by code, an ADU project does not trigger new parking

Sprinklers

Fire sprinklers are not required for an ADU when not required in the primary residence, unless the ADU is part of a large addition. Sprinklers can be a cost-effective fire safety alternative to water tanks.

Types of ADUs Standard ADU Junior ADU (JADU) Efficiency Kitchen Alternative
New Construction ADU - Detached New Construction ADU – Attached Conversion ADU
Definition ADU not meeting definition of Conversion ADU and detached from primary dwelling unit ADU not meeting definition of a Conversion ADU and attached to primary dwelling unit ADU converted from an existing dwelling, accessory structure or garage ADU converted from within the walls of an existing single-family dwelling, with certain constraints Non-JADU living space within existing dwelling that includes efficiency kitchen
Where allowed? Parcel with existing or proposed single or multifamily dwellings Parcel with existing or proposed single or multifamily dwellings Parcel with existing or proposed single or multifamily dwellings Parcel with existing or proposed single-family dwelling Parcel with existing or proposed single or multifamily dwellings
Size (gross floor area)*

Min: 150 sf
Max: Parcels <1 acre:
850 sf (1 BR), 1,000 sf (2+ BR)
Parcels >1 acre: 1,200 sf

 Min: 150 sf
Max: Parcels <1 acre: The lesser of 50% of primary dwelling OR
850 sf (1 BR), 1,000 sf (2+ BR)
Parcels >1 acre: The greater of 50% of primary dwelling OR 800 sf		 Min: 150 sf
Max: No maximum
Can include up to 150 sf new construction		 Min: 150 sf
Max: 500 sf
Can include up to 150 sf new construction		 No minimum.
Maximum based on floor area ratio (FAR) and lot coverage
Maximum Height** Stand-alone ADU:
Inside USL: 16 ft**
Outside USL: zone district standard (usually 28 ft)
ADU over detached garage, USL:
24 ft (20 ft at outside wall)		 Zone district standard**
(usually 28 ft)		 N/A except that any added floor area must follow rules for ADU height N/A except that any added floor area must follow rules for ADU height Zone district standard
(usually 28 ft)
Minimum Setbacks** Front: zone district standards
Side street side and rear: 4’. For areas higher than 16’, rear SB 8’.
ADU setback from other structures: 3 ft (fire rated construction within 10’)		 N/A except that any added floor area must follow rules for ADU setbacks N/A except that any added floor area must follow rules for ADU setbacks Zone district standard Minimum required for fire safety
Parking 1 space per ADU with certain exceptions*** No ADU parking required*** New parking may be required if new bedrooms are added
Kitchen and Bath Permanent cooking facilities required. Full kitchen allowed. Full bathroom required. Permanent cooking facilities required. Full bathroom required (may be shared with main dwelling) Efficiency kitchen only. Full bathroom allowed.
Access Separate exterior entrance required. Interior access to primary dwelling allowed, but fire rated wall construction may be required. Separate exterior entrance required. Interior access required. Separate exterior entrance allowed.
Owner Occupancy Not required for ADUs permitted between 1/1/20-1/1/25 Owner must live on site. Not required
Solar PV Not Required
Permit Building permit is approved or correction requested within 60 days of receipt of a complete building permit application. In Coastal Zone areas within the PR and TP zone districts, an ADU also requires a Minor Use Permit.  Building permit
Building Permit Fees Administrative fees
Permit review fees (waived for ADUs ≤640 sf)
Impact fees (waived for ADUs <750 sf)
Utility connection fees (New Construction ADUs only, proportional to ADU size)		 Administrative fees Administrative fees
Permit review fees
Impact fees as applicable
*Up to 800 sf of extra lot coverage and FAR allowed on sites with an ADU or JADU, based on ADU/JADU size. Front yard setback requirement may not prevent an ADU of 800 sq.ft. / 16’.
**In the Pleasure Pt. Combining District, ADU over attached or detached garage: 22’ max ht., 18’ at wall plate except gable. ADUs are exempt from Pleasure Pt. Combining District setbacks. Detached ADUs 18’ max on site of multi-story multifamily. Special height, setback and lot coverage rules in Seascape Beach Estates. Detached ADUs inside the USL may be 21’ with Zoning Admin. approval.
***New ADUs near bus lines are exempt from parking requirements. Replacement parking is not required for ADUs converted from existing garages, except in certain coastal areas.
TOP