The City of Santa Cruz permits ADUs across most residential zones. Santa Cruz 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.

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

• Detached ADU: an accessory dwelling unit that is separated from any single- or multi-unit building
• Attached ADU: an accessory dwelling unit that is attached to the primary dwelling, including to an attached garage
• Conversion ADU: accessory dwelling unit created by the conversion of any one permitted, entitled, or legal nonconforming building, or portion of such a building
• Junior ADU (JADU): Up to 500 sq ft, created by converting existing space within a single-family home, including areas like bedrooms or attached garages

• Maximum Size:
  
  • Detached: 1,000 for a unit with two or more bedrooms
  • Attached: 50% of the habitable area of the primary dwelling to which the unit is attached
• Setbacks:
  
  • Detached ADU: 3' for up to 16' height
  • Attached ADUs: up to 4 ft
• Height Limits:
  
  • Detached ADU: 16' to roof peak if less than 4' from side/rear property line
  • Attached ADUs: Must follow the same height standard as the primary dwelling, based on the zoning-district’s rules
• Parking Requirements:
  
  • Additional parking is not required if the ADU is:
    
    • In a designated historic district
    • Within one block of a dedicated publicly-available car-share vehicle parking space
    • Within ½ mile walking distance of any public transit stop

To build an ADU in Santa Cruz, applicants must complete:

• Zoning compliance review: Verifies lot eligibility, ADU size, height, setbacks, and Coastal Zone rules
• Site plan and elevations: Shows property lines, existing structures, ADU location, access, utilities, and building height
• Architectural drawings: Includes floor plans, roof plans, elevations, and sections meeting building and design codes
• Structural calculations and engineering: Required for new attached or detached ADUs to confirm foundation, framing, and seismic safety
  

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

Santa Cruz does not have a fixed ADU review timeline, but state law requires review within 60 days of a complete application. Incomplete submittals or missing documents can pause the 60-day clock, and Coastal Zone reviews may take longer. Using pre-approved ADU plans can speed up approval.

ADUs are allowed on any residential or mixed-use lot with an existing or proposed primary dwelling in the City of Santa Cruz, with no minimum lot size. They must meet all setback, height, lot coverage, access, utility, and easement requirements. Properties with unpermitted work or active violations may be ineligible. Lots in the Coastal Zone or environmentally sensitive areas may require additional review or permits.

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