The City of Capitola permits ADUs across most residential zones. Capitola follows both state and local ADU laws, allowing most single-family homes to build one detached ADU and one Junior ADU (JADU) per lot. Multi-family properties may be eligible for multiple ADUs, depending on site conditions.

Capitola aligns with California’s broader ADU legislation but has its own requirements for height, setbacks, and design review.

• Detached ADU: independent homes located on the same property as another primary dwelling home
• Attached ADU: An Attached ADU is an accessory dwelling unit that shares a wall with the main house but is not fully contained within it
• Conversion ADU: Created by converting existing space such as a garage, basement, or other internal area
• Junior ADU (JADU): is an ADU that is no more than 500 square feet in size and contained entirely within a single-family residence

• Maximum Size:
  
  • Detached: Up to 1,200 sq ft
  • Attached: Up to 50% of the primary dwelling’s floor area, not exceeding 1,200 sq ft
• Setbacks:
  
  • Minimum 4 ft from side and rear property lines
• Height Limits:
  
  • Detached ADU: 18 ft for 
  • Attached ADUs: Up to 25 ft
• Parking Requirements:
  
  • Additional parking is not required if the ADU is:
    
    • Located within 1/2-mile walking distance of public transit
    • Located within a Historic District
    • Located within one block of a Car Share Vehicle Pick-up/Drop-Of
    • Replaces or occupies a garage, carport, or covered parking structure

To build an ADU in Capitola, applicants must complete:

• Zoning compliance review: To ensure the ADU meets Capitola’s standards for size, setbacks, height, and parking
• Site plan and elevations: Must clearly show property boundaries, existing structures, proposed ADU location, and building heights
• Architectural drawings: Detailed floor plans, roof plans, and exterior elevations must be provided for design and code review
• Structural calculations and engineering: Required for any new detached or attached ADU to confirm compliance with California Building Code requirements.
• Title 24 energy documentation: Energy efficiency compliance reports are needed for all new residential units in California.
  

Homeowners should also review Capitola’s current fee schedule, utility connection requirements, and fire code compliance.

The City of Capitola does not publish fixed review timeframes for ADU permits. However, timely processing depends on the completeness of the initial submittal. Delays commonly occur when applicants omit required materials, such as structural calculations, Title 24 energy documentation, or utility connection details.

ADUs are allowed on lots with a legal or proposed primary home in residential zones (R-1, R-2, R-M). Properties with unpermitted structures or code violations are ineligible. ADUs must follow easement, coastal, and non-buildable area rules. Sites in flood or bluff areas may need extra review. No minimum lot size applies, but access and utility standards must be met.

For the most current and complete information, refer directly to the City of Capitola.