Saratoga ADU Permit & Building Guide
Building an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) in Saratoga is one of the smartest ways to expand your home’s possibilities. At Apex Homes, we specialize in designing and building ADUs that add extra living space, create stable rental income, and boost long-term property value. With pre-approved plans available and a permitting process that can move quickly, many homeowners are able to complete their ADU in as little as five months.
ADU Regulations in Saratoga
Saratoga allows ADUs on both single-family and multi-family lots, though the details vary depending on your property type.
For single-family homes, you may build one detached or attached ADU, along with one Junior ADU (JADU). Detached units can be up to 1,200 square feet, while attached units are limited to 50 percent of the main home’s living space (with the same 1,200 square foot cap). JADUs are capped at 500 square feet.
Smaller units, up to 850 square feet or two-bedroom ADUs under 1,000 square feet, requires only a four-foot setback from side and rear property lines. Units built above garages need a five-foot setback. Height limits vary: detached ADUs within setback areas are limited to 16 feet, while attached ADUs outside setbacks can rise to 25 feet.
For multi-family lots, the city allows up to two detached or attached ADUs, each up to 1,200 square feet. Detached units can reach 18 feet in height and must be at least six feet apart from other structures.
The Saratoga ADU Permitting Process
Getting a permit in Saratoga is generally straightforward. Homeowners must prepare and submit complete plans, including architectural drawings, a site plan, structural calculations, and a Title 24 energy report. Applications are reviewed using the city’s post-entitlement checklist, and most are processed within 60 days. In fact, many ADU applications are handled over the counter without a public hearing. The main exception is if you’re building a multi-story ADU, which may trigger Design Review. Once approved, you can move forward with construction, inspections, and final occupancy.
Pre-Approved ADU Plans in Saratoga
One of the biggest advantages in Saratoga is access to the Pre-Approved ADU Plan Program, created under California’s AB 1332. This initiative allows homeowners to choose from a gallery of detached ADU designs that have already been reviewed and vetted for compliance with both state law and local zoning codes. By selecting a pre-approved plan, you can dramatically shorten permitting time, reduce design costs, and begin construction sooner.
Currently, Saratoga’s pre-approved models include:
Why Build an ADU in Saratoga?
Homeowners in Saratoga enjoy some of the best returns on ADUs in the Bay Area. Even a modest rental, $1,000 per month, can increase a property’s value by roughly $100,000, according to common appraisal standards. Larger ADUs with premium finishes can rent for significantly more, generating steady passive income year after year.
Beyond the financial benefits, ADUs also support multigenerational living. Whether you’re creating space for aging parents, giving adult children a place to live while they save for a home, or providing privacy for long-term guests, an ADU offers flexibility that can adapt as your family’s needs change.
Saratoga also makes the process more attractive with streamlined, state-aligned permitting and fewer lot size restrictions than many neighboring cities. This makes building an ADU here an efficient, high-return investment for most homeowners.
For more detailed information or specific guidance, we can book a free consultation with an Apex Home ADU expert. Let us help you transform your property with a thoughtfully planned ADU today!