Introduction
Santa Clara offers a forward-thinking approach to Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), balancing modern living needs with community standards. The city has streamlined ADU regulations to support homeowners while preserving neighborhood character. ADU Specialist Bay Area excels in navigating these regulations, ensuring your ADU project complies with all local requirements, from initial design to final approval. With expert guidance, homeowners can maximize their property’s potential, enhancing both functionality and value.
Essential ADU Rules for Santa Clara
What you can build
Maximum size
ADUs in Santa Clara can be up to 1,200 sq ft.
Side / rear setbacks
Minimum setback of 4 feet from property lines.
Two stories
Allowed if consistent with neighborhood character.
Building separation
Maintain a minimum of 6 feet between structures.
Permitting timeline
Standard
Permitting typically completed within 60 days.
Coastal
Coastal permits, if applicable, may extend the timeline.
Zoning Regulations in Santa Clara
Santa Clara’s zoning regulations ensure ADUs complement existing residential areas. Zoning laws define where and how ADUs can be built, maintaining community aesthetics while offering additional housing options.
ADU Size Limitations
| Lot Size | Single-Family (Maximum Floor Area Allowed) | Duplex and Multi-Family (Maximum Floor Area Allowed) |
| Under 7000 | 700 sq ft | Not permitted |
| 7000 - 9999 | 800 sq ft | 1 ADU + 400 sq ft per existing unit (up to 1000 sq ft max) |
| 10000 - 12999 | 900 sq ft | 1 ADU + 450 sq ft per existing unit (up to 1000 sq ft max) |
| 13000 - 19999 | 1000 sq ft | 1 ADU + 500 sq ft per existing unit (up to 1000 sq ft max) |
| 20000+ | 1000 sq ft | 1 ADU + 550 sq ft per existing unit (up to 1000 sq ft max) |
ADU Height Limitations
Santa Clara permits ADUs up to 16 feet in height to ensure they blend with the residential landscape and do not overshadow neighboring properties.
Building Coverage
ADUs must comply with Santa Clara’s building coverage limits, ensuring they do not exceed the allowable percentage of the lot area.
Location
| Property Type | Location Requirement |
| Single-Family Homes | Attached ADUs: Must share a wall with the main house. |
| Detached ADUs: Must be in the rear yard. | |
| Junior ADUs (JADUs): Must be within the existing house. | |
| Duplex and Multifamily | Attached ADUs: Must share a wall with an existing unit. |
| Detached ADUs: Must be in the rear yard. |
Exterior details
ADUs should match the architectural style and materials of the primary residence to maintain neighborhood harmony and aesthetic appeal.
Parking
Santa Clara requires one additional parking space for ADUs unless the property is within half a mile of public transit.
Setbacks and buffer zones
ADUs must respect a 4-foot side and rear setback, ensuring they do not encroach on neighboring properties.
Minimum Lot Area
| Lot Size | Minimum Lot Area for ADU | Description |
| Under 7000 | ADUs not permitted | Lots must be larger to support ADUs. |
| 7000 - 9999 | 7000 sq ft | Suitable for standard-sized ADUs. |
| 10000 - 12999 | 10000 sq ft | Supports larger ADUs with amenities. |
| 13000 - 19999 | 13000 sq ft | Ideal for expansive ADU projects. |
| 20000+ | No minimum lot area | Maximum flexibility for ADU placement. |
Connection for utilities
ADUs must be independently metered for utilities, including water, gas, and electricity, ensuring they function as standalone units.
Fire safety
ADUs must comply with local fire codes, including installing smoke detectors and fire sprinklers where required.
Room specifications
- Sleeping Areas: Must include proper egress windows for safety.
- Kitchen: Fully equipped kitchen with stove, sink, and refrigerator.
- Bathroom: Must have a sink, toilet, and shower or bathtub.
- Storage: Adequate storage space for resident’s belongings.
Short-term Rentals and Home Occupations Regulations
Short-term rentals in ADUs are restricted to ensure long-term housing availability, with home occupation permits required for business activities.
Building Codes
ADUs must comply with all relevant building codes, including structural, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical standards.
Santa Clara ADU Permit Guidelines
| Permit Type | Description | Estimated Fee |
| Building Permit | Required for ADU construction. | $2500 - $5000 |
| Electrical Permit | Required for electrical work. | $400 - $700 |
| Plumbing Permit | Required for plumbing installations. | $400 - $700 |
| Mechanical Permit | Required for HVAC systems. | $400 - $700 |
| Grading Permit | Required for site grading work. | $300 - $500 |
| Site Development Permit | Required for site development. | $300 - $500 |
| Zoning Permit | Required for zoning compliance. | $200 - $400 |
Property Requirements
Properties in Santa Clara must comply with specific requirements, such as lot size, setbacks, and zoning, to be eligible for ADU construction.
Parking
Properties must provide one additional parking space for ADUs, unless exemptions apply.
Front setbacks
ADUs must maintain a front setback of at least 20 feet from the property line.
Side and rear setbacks
ADUs must have a minimum side and rear setback of 4 feet to maintain privacy and safety.
Open space and rear yards
Properties must preserve sufficient open space and rear yard area to support ADU construction and maintain neighborhood aesthetics.
Properties That Qualify
To determine your property’s eligibility for ADU development, contact the Santa Clara Planning Department.
- Verify that your property is within Santa Clara’s jurisdiction.
- Check the specific residential zones that permit ADUs. Common zones in Santa Clara include R-1, R-2, and R-M.
- Other General Plan designations that permit ADUs:
- Residential Mixed-Use (RMU): Allows mixed residential and commercial uses, supporting diverse housing options.
- Transit-Oriented Development (TOD): Promotes higher density near transit hubs for sustainable living.
- Specific Plan areas: Designated areas with tailored regulations to encourage strategic development.
Development standards
Single-family
- Attached: Must share a common wall with the main house and comply with design standards.
- Detached: Must be located in the rear yard and meet all setback requirements.
Duplex properties
- Attached: Must share a wall with an existing unit and adhere to zoning codes.
- Detached: Must be placed in the rear yard, respecting setbacks and height limits.
Multifamily properties
- Attached: Must integrate with existing structures and comply with multifamily zoning laws.
- Detached: Located in rear yard areas, ensuring minimal impact on the property.
Junior ADUs (JADUs)
JADUs must be within the existing structure, typically converted from existing spaces like garages or basements.
Property designations
- Flood Zones: ADUs must comply with additional regulations in flood-prone areas to ensure safety.
- Geohazard Zones: Properties in geohazard areas require additional geological assessments and compliance measures.
- Historic Designation: ADUs in historic districts must meet design guidelines to preserve historical integrity.
- Easements: Properties with easements must ensure ADU construction does not interfere with easement rights.
Summary
Santa Clara’s ADU regulations provide a clear framework for homeowners to expand their living space while maintaining community standards. ADU Specialist Bay Area is dedicated to guiding homeowners through each step, from initial consultation to final construction, ensuring compliance and satisfaction. With the right support, creating an ADU in Santa Clara can be a rewarding and enriching experience.
FAQ
The maximum size for an ADU in Santa Clara is 1,200 square feet.
Yes, ADUs must maintain a minimum setback of 4 feet from the side and rear property lines.
Two-story ADUs are permitted if they are consistent with the neighborhood character and comply with height restrictions.
The standard permitting process typically takes about 60 days, though this can vary based on project specifics.
Yes, ADUs must have independent utility connections for water, gas, and electricity.
One additional parking space is required for ADUs unless the property is within half a mile of public transit, in which case the requirement may be waived.
Zoning regulations define where ADUs can be built and include requirements for size, setbacks, and height limitations to ensure they fit within the community.
Short-term rentals of ADUs are restricted to ensure the availability of long-term housing options.
ADUs must match the architectural style and materials of the primary residence to maintain the aesthetic appeal of the neighborhood.
ADUs must comply with local fire codes, including the installation of smoke detectors and fire sprinklers where required.
ADUs are not permitted on properties under 7000 square feet in Santa Clara to ensure adequate space and compliance with regulations.
ADUs are limited to a maximum height of 16 feet to ensure they blend with the surrounding residential landscape.
Yes, there are fees associated with various permits required for ADU construction, including building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits.
Home occupation permits are required for business activities conducted in ADUs to ensure compliance with local regulations.
ADUs must include properly designed sleeping areas, fully equipped kitchens, bathrooms with essential fixtures, and adequate storage space.
The minimum lot area requirement varies based on lot size, with specific requirements for properties ranging from 7000 to over 20000 square feet.
Exterior details of ADUs must match the primary residence to maintain neighborhood harmony and aesthetic consistency.
ADUs must maintain a 4-foot setback from the side and rear property lines, ensuring they do not encroach on neighboring properties.
ADUs in historic districts must meet specific design guidelines to preserve the historical integrity of the area.
ADUs must be independently metered for utilities, including water, gas, and electricity, to function as standalone units.
ADUs in flood zones must comply with additional regulations to ensure safety and resilience against flooding.
Properties in geohazard zones require additional geological assessments and compliance measures to ensure safe construction.
Specific plan areas have tailored regulations that encourage strategic development and support the construction of ADUs.
ADU Specialist Bay Area provides comprehensive support, from design to permitting and construction, ensuring compliance with local regulations.
Building an ADU in Santa Clara offers homeowners additional living space, potential rental income, and increased property value while adhering to city regulations.
