What are the requirements to build ADU in Santa Clara?
Constructing an ADU in Santa Clara allows you to expand your living space and generate rental income. To ensure a successful project, it's crucial to understand Santa Clara's specific local regulations and thoroughly assess the financial aspects of construction. This guide offers comprehensive insights into Santa Clara's ADU regulations and critical financial considerations, assisting you in efficiently planning and executing your project.
Number of ADUs on a property
How many ADUs can you build in Santa Clara?
In Santa Clara, you can build 1 detached ADU and 1 attached ADU on a property.
How many ADUs does Santa Clara allow for multifamily properties?
Santa Clara allows multifamily properties to have at least 1 attached ADU within a multifamily or mixed-use structure, or attached ADUs up to 25% of the existing units. Additionally, up to 2 detached ADUs are allowed.
Setbacks for an ADU
What are the setbacks required for an ADU in Santa Clara?
In Santa Clara, detached ADUs should have a 4-foot rear setback, a 3-foot side setback, and a 4-foot corner side setback. For detached ADUs over one story and 18 feet in height, the rear setback is 4 feet for one-story sections and 15 feet for multi-story sections. Attached ADUs should follow the setbacks of the applicable zoning district.
What is the minimum distance the ADU must be from existing structures?
The minimum distance an ADU should be from existing structures in Santa Clara is 6 feet.
Are setbacks required if converting existing structures into ADU?
No, setbacks are not required when converting existing structures into an ADU in Santa Clara.
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The size of ADU for properties with a single-family home
How big can an attached ADU be in Santa Clara?
In Santa Clara, an attached ADU can be up to 1,000 square feet or 50% of the main unit's size, with a minimum of 800 square feet, whichever is smaller.
How big can a detached ADU be in Santa Clara?
In Santa Clara, a detached ADU can be up to 1,000 square feet on parcels 5,500 square feet or smaller, and up to 1,200 square feet on parcels larger than 5,500 square feet.
Is there a minimum size of an ADU?
Yes, the minimum size for an ADU in Santa Clara is 150 square feet.
Can you convert existing space to an ADU?
Yes, it's allowed to convert existing space into an ADU in Santa Clara.
The size of ADU for properties with a multi-family home
How big can an attached ADU for a multifamily building be in Santa Clara?
In Santa Clara, an attached ADU within a multifamily building can be up to 1,000 square feet or 50% of the size of the main unit, with a minimum of 800 square feet, whichever is lesser.
How big can a detached ADU for a multifamily building be in Santa Clara?
In Santa Clara, a detached ADU within a multifamily building can be up to 1,000 square feet on parcels 5,500 square feet or smaller, and up to 1,200 square feet on parcels larger than 5,500 square feet.
Can you stack detached ADUs on top of each other?
Currently, there are no specific regulations addressing the option of stacking detached ADUs on top of each other in Santa Clara.
Can you attach two ADUs to each other?
No. Attaching two ADUs together is not allowed in Santa Clara. While regulations allow for up to two ADUs on a property with an existing multifamily building, they cannot be attached to each other according to the current regulations.
Can you convert existing space to an ADU?
Yes, in Santa Clara, converting existing space within a multifamily dwelling into an ADU is allowed.
The height for ADU
What is the max height for an ADU on a property with a single family house?
On a property with a single-family house in Santa Clara, the maximum height for an attached ADU is 25 feet and 2 stories. For a detached ADU, the maximum height is 25 feet and 1.5 stories.
What is the max height for an ADU on a property with a multifamily building?
The maximum height for an ADU on a property with a multifamily building in Santa Clara is the same as that for a single-family house: 25 feet and 2 stories for attached ADUs, and 25 feet and 1.5 stories for detached ADUs.
Can you build a 2-story ADU in Santa Clara?
Yes, in Santa Clara, you can build a 2-story ADU, but this is only allowed for attached ADUs.
The parking requirements for ADU
What is the parking requirement for an ADU in Santa Clara?
There is no parking requirement for an ADU in Santa Clara.
Where can a parking space be located?
In many California cities, parking spaces, if required, can typically be located in setbacks or existing driveways, often using tandem parking. Moreover, when a garage, carport, or covered parking structure for the Single Family Dwelling is removed to construct or convert to an ADU, there's no requirement to replace those off-street parking spaces.
Design requirements for ADU
How many bedrooms can an ADU have in Santa Clara?
Santa Clara does not specify a maximum number of bedrooms for an ADU. However, with a maximum allowable size of 1,200 square feet, it can typically accommodate at least 1 bedroom.
Does an ADU need a kitchen in Santa Clara?
Typically, ADUs in California, including Santa Clara, are required to have a full kitchen, which includes cooking facilities, a sink, and a refrigerator.
Does an ADU require independent utility meters?
Santa Clara's regulations do not specifically mention whether ADUs require their own utility meters. For clarification on this matter, it's advisable to contact the relevant authority.
What is the minimum ceiling height?
In Santa Clara, habitable spaces, including ADUs, should have a minimum ceiling height of 7 feet, as required by the California Building Code.
Get the size of the ADU possible to build on your property after applying all these regulations
Permits for ADU
How long does it take to get an ADU permit in Santa Clara?
Typically, obtaining an ADU permit in Santa Clara involves a process lasting around two months, which includes a plan check procedure before the permit is granted. This duration aligns with the timelines observed in numerous other municipalities across California.
When do you need a licensed professional to design an ADU in Santa Clara?
For optimal design of an ADU in Santa Clara, it's recommended to consult with a licensed professional such as an architect or engineer, especially if considering unconventional construction ways.
Does Santa Clara require in-person submission of plans for an ADU?
No, Santa Clara does not require in-person submission of plans for an ADU; digital submittal is accepted.
Does Santa Clara require coastal development permits?
No, Santa Clara does not require coastal development permits.
Economics of ADU
How much does it cost to build an ADU in Santa Clara?
Constructing an ADU in Santa Clara typically costs around $380 per square foot, covering expenses such as permits, architectural design, and engineering services. For instance, building a 900-square-foot ADU would amount to about $390,000, including both soft and hard costs.
Is it profitable to build an ADU in Santa Clara?
To assess the profitability of constructing an ADU in Santa Clara, it's essential to compare construction costs with local real estate market values. For example, a 900-square-foot ADU could potentially have a market value of around $930,000. Given the construction cost of $390,000, this suggests a potential return on investment of about 130%.
Additionally, profitability factors may include potential rental income or the advantages of accommodating family members on the same property.
Can you sell an ADU in Santa Clara?
In Santa Clara, selling an ADU could be an option under state regulations like AB 1033. This law allows for potential sales or conversions into condominiums, potentially requiring the establishment of a Homeowner Association (HOA) for management.
Are ADUs rent controlled in Santa Clara?
No, Santa Clara doesn't enforce rent control on ADUs. Landlords can adjust rents annually for ADUs, following regulations like AB 1482, typically applicable to properties aged 15 years or more.
How to get money to build an ADU in Santa Clara?
To obtain funding for ADU construction in Santa Clara, you can explore resources such as the CalHFA’s ADU Grant Program, which offers grants of up to $40,000. These funds cover various expenses including architectural designs, permits, and site preparation, supporting the development of ADUs as an affordable housing solution.