ADU/ JADU Development Standards

ADUs and JADUs are subject to the regulations and development standards of Section 41-194 in Santa Ana's zoning code. Please review the following ADU/JADU qualifications:

Development Standards for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU)

Development Standards for Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADU)

Number of Units

Single-family: Up to one ADU and one JADU per lot developed with a single-family residence.

Multifamily: 1) Up to two detached ADUs; and 2) up to 25% of the existing units in the multifamily building through conversion of existing non-habitable space.

Example: An existing 12 unit apartment complex can develop a maximum two (2) detached units plus three (3) conversion units (12 x 25%) from existing, attached non-habitable space, for a total of five (5) ADUs.

One JADU per parcel developed with an existing single-family residence.

JADUs are not allowed on properties developed with multifamily dwellings or multiple single-family residences.

Maximum Unit Size

Detached: Up to 1,000 square feet.

Attached: Up to 1,000 square feet or 50% of the floor area of the primary residence, whichever is less (may exceed 50% to permit 800 square foot unit).

JADUs can be up to 500 square feet in size within an existing or proposed single-family residence and/or attached garage.

JADUs must meet all development standards of the underlying zoning (i.e. setbacks, lot coverage, and height) that are applicable to the primary building.

Front-Yard Setback

  • Same as existing zoning.
  • No additional setback for an existing building that is converted to an ADU.
  • JADUs must meet all development standards of the underlying zoning that are applicable to the primary building.
  • No additional setback required for an existing attached habitable or non-habitable space that is converted to a JADU.

Rear-Yard and Side-Yard Setbacks

  • Four feet.
  • No additional setback for an existing building that is converted to an ADU.
  • A minimum setback of four feet shall be required for an ADU constructed above an existing garage or building that encroaches into a required yard.
  • JADUs must meet all development standards of the underlying zoning that are applicable to the primary building.

Height

Detached: 20 feet or two stories.

Attached: The height limit of the underlying zoning for the primary building.

JADUs must meet all development standards of the underlying zoning that are applicable to the primary building.

Rental

ADUs may not be used as a short-term vacation rental, but can be rented for periods of 30 days or more. JADUs may not be used as a short-term vacation rental, but can be rented for periods of 30 days or more.

Parking

One parking space is required for newly constructed units unless the unit is:

  • Within 1/2 mile of public transit.
  • Created within the area of an existing building.
  • In a historic district.
  • Not offered an on-street parking permit when one is required.
  • On the same block as a car share.
  • A studio unit.
No parking is required for a JADU.

Address

A separate address is required for the ADU. A separate address is required for the JADU.

Owner Occupancy

No owner occupancy requirements. Owner occupancy is required in either the single-family residence or the JADU. A restrictive covenant will be recorded at the time of building permit issuance.

Covenant/Deed Restriction

N/A Recordation of an owner occupancy covenant is required.

Kitchen

Full kitchen facilities required. At minimum an efficiency kitchen is required.

Ingress/Egress

Exterior access required. Exterior access required, but interior access is optional.

Interior access is required when JADU shares bath/sanitation facilities with the primary residence.

Fees

  • Application review, permit, and development impact fees may be applicable to your ADU development project
  • Contact respective agency and departments for current fees
  • Application review, permit, and development impact fees may be applicable to your ADU development project
  • Contact respective agency and departments for current fees

 

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