The City of Morgan Hill permits ADUs across most residential zones. Morgan Hill 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.

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

• Detached ADU: Separate from the main home
• Attached ADU: sharing at least one wall with main home
• Conversion ADU: Converted existing space in the main home or on the property
• Junior ADU (JADU): Up to 500 sq ft, efficiency or full kitchen, can share bathroom with main house, owner must live on the property

• Maximum Size:
  
  • Detached: Up to 1000 sq ft detached accessory dwelling unit
  • Attached: Up to 50% of primary dwelling, max 1000 sq ft
• Setbacks:
  
  • Minimum specified in Title 18 - Zoning of the Municipal Code
• Height Limits:
  
  • Typically 4 ft unless
• Parking Requirements:
  
  • Additional One on-site parking space (covered or uncovered) is required for an ADU unless:
    
    • The property is located within ½ mile of public transit
    • The ADU is constructed within an existing permitted residence or accessory structure (Conversion ADU)
    • The unit is a Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit (JADU)

To apply for a solar permit through the City of Morgan Hill's SolarApp+ system, projects must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Roof-Mounted Systems Only: The photovoltaic (PV) system must be installed on a permitted main dwelling rooftop; trenching is not permitted
• No ADU CEC Compliance: PV systems required solely for Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) California Energy Code compliance are not eligible for SolarApp+ submission
• No System Expansions: The project must not involve expanding an existing solar system
• No Ballasted Systems: Ballasted systems are not permitted
• No EV Charging Equipment: The project cannot include electric vehicle (EV) charging equipment
• Licensed Contractors Only: Applications must be submitted by a California licensed contractor with classifications C-10, C-46, or B, who has previously registered with Solarapp.

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

Permit times for SolarApp+ projects in Morgan Hill are typically a few business days for the automated compliance check. Subsequent permit review and final inspection scheduling through the City’s eTrakit portal may take additional time depending on project complexity and city workload.

Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are allowed in any district where residential uses are permitted. Junior accessory dwelling units (JADUs) are allowed in single-family zoning districts within an existing single-family residence or as part of a proposed single-family residence.

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