Santa Clara City ADU Permit & Building Guide
At Apex Homes, we’ve designed and built pre-approved ADU homes that provide extra living space, stable rental income, and long-term possibilities, in as little as five months. Santa Clara City offers strong potential for homeowners looking to add value, generate income, or create flexible multigenerational living spaces.
ADU Regulations in Santa Clara City
Santa Clara’s ADU regulations vary depending on whether your property is a single-family or multi-family lot.
For single-family lots, homeowners may build one detached or attached ADU and one Junior ADU (JADU). Detached ADUs can be up to 1,000 square feet for lots ≤ 5,500 square feet, or up to 1,200 square feet for larger lots. Attached ADUs are generally limited to 1,000 square feet or 50 percent of the main unit, with a minimum of 150 square feet, while JADUs are capped at 500 sq ft.
Setbacks for detached ADUs are typically four-feet from the rear, side, and corner side property lines, with at least 6 ft separation from the main residence. For two-story detached ADUs taller than 18 feet, the rear setback increases to 15 feet. Height limits are 18 feet for one-story, 25 feet for 1.5-story, and 25 feet for two-story attached ADUs.
Multi-family lots allow up to two detached ADUs, plus attached ADUs within unused areas of the structure, up to 25 percent of existing units. Height, size, and setback standards are similar to single-family lots, with lot-based size limits of 1,000–1,200 square feet, setbacks of 4–15 feet depending on configuration, and 6 feet unit separation.
These standards provide flexibility while ensuring safety and neighborhood compatibility.
The Santa Clara City ADU Permitting Process
Getting an ADU permit in Santa Clara City is generally straightforward. Homeowners should first confirm that their property is zoned residential and meets size, setback, and utility requirements. Next, prepare a complete application including a site plan, architectural and structural drawings, Title 24 energy calculations, and any required forms. Applications can be submitted online via the city’s Permit Center or the Santa Clara County ADU Portal. City staff perform a ministerial plan review, typically completed within 60 days, with architectural review required only for second-story attached ADUs.
Once approved and fees are paid, homeowners can begin construction, schedule inspections, and receive a final certificate of occupancy. Apex Homes provides full support throughout the process, including permit management, plan preparation, city submission, and compliance tracking, ensuring a smooth and efficient ADU project from start to finish.
Why Build an ADU in Santa Clara City?
Adding an ADU in Santa Clara City offers financial and lifestyle benefits. Rental income from a modest ADU can provide steady cash flow, while the unit increases property value. ADUs also support multigenerational living, offering private, flexible space for aging parents, adult children, or guests.
Santa Clara’s permitting process is state-aligned and streamlined, minimizing delays and providing clear compliance guidelines. Coupled with pre-approved plans and local expertise, homeowners can create long-term value efficiently and with confidence.
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!