In January 2020 we wrote about a flurry of new measures passed by the California legislature that, taken together, were designed to stimulate the development of ADUs Units throughout California. Santa Clara County also announced a new zoning ordinance that implements these measures, which was adopted in March 2020.
“Santa Clara County provides for secondary dwellings (or Accessory Dwelling Units, or ADUs) in zoning districts that allow residential uses. There are provisions specific to rural zoning districts and urban unincorporated districts, and they vary based on lot size. ADUs may be attached or detached, newly built spaces or converted from an existing structure. An ADU must have its own living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation facilities, including a full kitchen and bathroom. Additionally, a Junior ADU (Jr. ADU) is no more than 500 square feet and must be contained entirely within a single-family residence. It must have a separate entrance and an efficiency kitchen but may share a bathroom with primary dwelling.”
We recently offered an educational overview on California ADU developments designed for real estate agents, builders, and interested lay persons. It is available on our website by registering for download ().
As the regulatory climate has become more favorable, and more local jurisdictions are liberalizing their local zoning in response to state guidance, it is no surprise that architects, builders, and other professionals have begun to offer customized services for ADU or junior ADU projects. As our readers engage with professionals in the context of their ADU projects, we would be pleased to publish professional service reviews for the benefit of those looking for help on their projects. If you can help us with this, please drop me a line.
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