Overview
Santa Ana is located in Orange County in California. Santa Ana has a total
population of 324528 over a land mass of 27.27 Square Miles. When it comes to
ADUs, the city allows for 1+ ADUs on a given property, and a square footage of
850-1,000 sf
Types of ADUs Allowed
Detached, Junior, Attached
Number of ADUs allowed
According to state law, all single-family homes are allowed at least one
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU). Additionally, single-family lots which are
owner-occupied may create one Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) and one Junior
Accessort Dwelling Unit (JADU). Also, multi-family lots may now add one ADU per
every four existing residential units, so long as they were legally established.
Property Requirements
Residential lots will be approved to add up to 850 sqft for a one bed ADU or up
to 1,000 sqft for a two bed ADU, regardless of the underlying zoning standards
of the property. A Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit is approved up to 500 sqft.
According to Califronia Residential Code, the minimum size of any living unit is
150 sqft (including Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Accessory Dwelling
Units). ~ According To AB68
Types of ADUs Allowed
Attached ADU
An attached ADU is one that is attached to your house. Also know as Addition ADUs or “bump-out ADUs. These types of ADUs can be accessed from the primary house with a door in the connection point, but also can be independent of the main home.
Detached ADU
A detached ADU is not connected to your primary house. The dwelling needs to be within your property setbacks and allowable building size (both height and square footage).
Junior ADU
Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADUs) are named this way because they are small (up to 500 square feet).
In California, the recent state bills
AB68 and
AB 881 permits both an ADU and a Junior ADU (JADU) on the same lot with a proposed or existing single-family dwelling. This means you can have two units on your lot: ADU, and JADU.
Property Requirements
Ownership
Owner-occupancy will not be required for new Accessory Dwelling Units
(conversion and new construction) built between 2020 and 2025. ~ SB-13
Number of ADUs Allowed
According to state law, all single-family homes are allowed at least one
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU). Additionally, single-family lots which are
owner-occupied may create one Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) and one Junior
Accessort Dwelling Unit (JADU). Also, multi-family lots may now add one ADU per
every four existing residential units, so long as they were legally established.
ADU Size
Single family and multi-family residential parcels will not be subject to the
minimum lot size of the underlying zoning district or by ordinance for Accessory
Dwelling Unit projects. ~ AB-68
Parking
Parcels which convert an existing garage to an ADU or Junior ADU will not be
subject to replacement parking requirements. ~ Updated: State Law AB-68
Height
Maximum height for attached and detached ADUs will be subject to the
requirements of the underlying zone.
Fire Safety
Fire sprinklers are not required for the ADU unless they are required for the
primary dwelling.
Utility Connections
Approval by the local health officer where a private sewage disposal system is
being used, if required.
Aesthetic
The design and materials of the ADU shall be consistent with the primary
dwelling.
Set backs
The maximum required setback for a detached new construction Accessory Dwelling
Unit (ADU) shall be no more than 4 feet from the rear and side property lines.
Setbacks will not be required for Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)s and Junior
Accessory Dwelling Units converted from existing space that was legally
eastablished. Attached Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)s and conversions from
existing space to be expanded will be required to comply with the setbacks of
the underlying zone. ~ According To AB68
Design Review
A local agency shall approve an application for a building permit to create
within a single-family residential zone one accessory dwelling unit per
single-family lot if the unit is contained within the existing space of a
single-family residence or accessory structure, has independent exterior access
from the existing residence, and the side and REAR setbacks are sufficient for
fire safety. Accessory dwelling units shall not be required to provide fire
sprinklers if they are not required for the primary dwelling.
Next Steps
To get started on your ADU, here are some first steps.
Call Your City
Search Google for your city’s contact number. eg “City of {Phoenix} Residential Permits Contact Number”
You can call the main line and get directed to the permitting department.
Ask these questions...
1) Can I put a secondary home on my lot (Accessory Dwelling Unit)?
2) What are my livable setbacks, and ADU size regulations?
3) Can I put a prefabricated guest house on my property?
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