Comprehensive Guide to ADUs in Santa Cruz, California

Comprehensive Guide to ADUs in California

Comprehensive Guide to ADUs in Santa Cruz, California

Building an ADU in Santa Cruz County – Everything You Need to Know!

Today, we’re going to dive into the exciting topic of building an ADU in Santa Cruz County. With recent changes in policy to make it more user-friendly, ADUs have become a hot topic, especially with the newer California state laws and the SB 9 laws. So, if you’re interested in building an ADU and have questions like what is allowed, who can build them, where can they be built, and how big can they be, you’ve come to the right place.

Before we get started, if you have any specific questions about your Santa Cruz property and adding an ADU or a JADU, feel free to reach out for a complimentary confidential consultation. I’m Shemeika Fox, your Santa Cruz real estate expert, and I’m here to help.

Okay, let’s jump right into it!

What is an ADU and Junior ADU?

When it comes to building an ADU in Santa Cruz, understanding the basics is crucial. So, let’s delve into the details. An ADU, short for Accessory Dwelling Unit, is an independent secondary dwelling unit that is associated with a primary dwelling. It provides an additional living space on the same property. On the other hand, a Junior ADU or JADU is a secondary dwelling unit, either independent or connected, that is smaller than 500 square feet and converted from existing space within a single-family dwelling. An important requirement for a JADU is that the owner must reside on-site, ensuring the property remains within the intended scope of use.

Now that we’ve established what ADUs and JADUs are, let’s explore the exciting opportunities and regulations surrounding building an ADU in Santa Cruz County. Whether you’re considering adding a separate unit to accommodate extended family members, seeking a rental income source, or exploring a flexible living arrangement, an ADU can offer a multitude of benefits.

Santa Cruz County ADU Ordinance Updates

As of recent policy changes, Santa Cruz County has embraced a more user-friendly approach to ADU construction. These changes have been influenced by California state laws, including SB 9, which have facilitated greater flexibility and eased restrictions on ADU development. With these progressive developments, it’s an opportune time to explore the possibilities of building an ADU in Santa Cruz.

One of the primary advantages of constructing an ADU is the potential to create additional housing without significantly altering the existing property’s footprint. ADUs present a unique opportunity to maximize land usage and address the growing demand for housing in a sustainable and cost-effective manner. By utilizing existing space or adding a separate structure, homeowners can unlock the potential for increased living options and financial benefits.

When contemplating the construction of an ADU in Santa Cruz, it’s essential to consider the specific regulations and requirements that govern such projects. These regulations aim to ensure the integration of ADUs within the existing fabric of the community while maintaining the overall character and quality of residential neighborhoods.

To initiate the process of building an ADU, it’s important to familiarize yourself with Santa Cruz County’s ADU Ordinance. This ordinance outlines the guidelines and criteria that must be adhered to when planning and constructing an ADU. Understanding the local regulations, in addition to state laws and guidelines provided by the Housing and Community Development (HCD) department, will help streamline the construction process and ensure compliance.

In Santa Cruz County, the allowable number of ADUs per property is determined based on the type of primary dwelling, whether single-family or multifamily. The regulations provide opportunities for both detached ADUs and conversion ADUs, allowing homeowners to select the most suitable option based on their property’s characteristics and their specific needs.

Size considerations play a significant role in ADU construction. While there are no maximum size restrictions for conversion ADUs, Junior ADUs are limited to 500 square feet or less. Detached new construction ADUs can range in size based on the parcel’s acreage, with larger parcels permitting ADUs up to 1,200 square feet. Parcels smaller than one acre have size limitations, typically capped at 850 square feet for one-bedroom units and 1,000 square feet for two-bedroom units. It’s essential to understand these size constraints when conceptualizing and designing your ADU in Santa Cruz.

Here are some key points from the updated ordinance:

ADUs must align with local ADU regulations, state law, HCD, and ADU handbook.
Local regulations can exceed the state law minimum.
One ADU plus one JADU is now allowed per conforming single-family dwelling.
For multifamily dwellings, you can have two detached ADUs per parcel that may be attached to each other, and conversion ADUs for up to 25% of units.
Size matters! Conversion ADUs do not have a maximum size, but a Junior ADU cannot be larger than 500 square feet.
Detached new construction ADUs with parcels greater than one acre can have an ADU up to 1,200 square feet. On parcels less than one acre, the maximum is 850 square feet for one bedroom and 1,000 square feet for two bedrooms.
Attached new construction ADUs with parcels greater than one acre can be built up to 50% of the size of the primary dwelling. For parcels smaller than one acre, you can build an 850 square foot one-bedroom or 1,000 square foot two-bedroom ADU.

Special ADU Development Standards

In addition to size restrictions, setback requirements must be considered when building an ADU in Santa Cruz. Setbacks ensure appropriate spacing between structures to maintain privacy and safety. In Santa Cruz County, the setback regulations for ADUs and JADUs stipulate a minimum of four feet for side and rear setbacks, including corner lots and double frontage lots. Agricultural buffers may also influence the placement of ADUs, allowing for setbacks greater than 100 feet from the primary dwelling in certain cases.

Here are some key development standards:

Setback requirements for ADUs and JADUs in Santa Cruz County are four feet for side and rear setbacks, including on corner lots and double frontage lots.
Second-story ADUs must be set back from the rear property line by eight feet.
Urban detached new construction ADUs can be up to 16 feet high, while urban ADUs above detached garages can be up to 24 feet high.
Floor area calculations are based on habitable floor area and do not count towards the floor area of the primary dwelling.
ADUs must have a minimum of 800 square feet.

Parking Requirements

Parking requirements have been a significant concern when adding bedrooms or ADUs to existing properties. However, recent changes in regulations have alleviated some of these concerns. For new construction ADUs, one parking space is typically required. However, conversion ADUs and JADUs no longer have a parking requirement. Additionally, certain circumstances, such as proximity to a transit stop, may exempt specific ADUs from parking requirements altogether. It’s important to note that these rules may not apply within designated coastal areas, where different regulations may be in effect.

Here’s what you need to know about parking requirements for ADUs:

One parking space per new construction ADU is required.
No parking is required for conversion ADUs or JADUs.
Certain criteria, such as proximity to a transit stop, can exempt new construction ADUs from parking requirements.
Garage conversions do not require replacement parking.
Please note that these parking rules do not apply within certain coastal designated areas.

Design Requirements and Permit Approval Process

When it comes to the design and accessibility of your Santa Cruz ADU, several considerations should be taken into account. Separate exterior entrances are generally required for both ADUs and JADUs to ensure independent access. While separate driveways are allowed for ADUs, public improvements are not mandatory. Fire sprinklers may be required depending on the primary dwelling’s existing fire safety measures, unless exempted under special circumstances. Solar PV installation is mandatory for new construction detached ADUs, aligning with the county’s commitment to sustainable energy practices.

Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Separate exterior entrances for ADUs and JADUs are required.
Separate driveways for ADUs are allowed.
Public improvements are not required.
Fire sprinklers are not required unless they are necessary for the primary dwelling or special circumstances.
Solar PV is required for new construction detached ADUs.
It’s important to review the historic preservation county code if you’re in a designated historic area.
Cooking appliances for ADUs must be built-in.

To facilitate a smooth and efficient approval process, Santa Cruz County has implemented a ministerial approval timeline for ADU and JADU applications. This timeline ensures that applications are acted upon within 60 days from the date a complete application is received. However, some exceptions to this timeline exist, such as ADUs built concurrently with primary dwellings or those requiring discretionary approvals, variances, or coastal zone development permits.

Occupancy and Sale of Santa Cruz Properties with ADUs

Ownership and occupancy requirements are crucial aspects to consider when contemplating the sale or rental of properties with ADUs in Santa Cruz. Owner occupancy is mandatory for properties with JADUs and ADUs permitted before 2020, which may also include relatives of the owner residing on the property. Short-term rentals are generally not allowed in ADUs, promoting long-term housing solutions. However, separate sales of ADUs are permitted exclusively by affordable housing and nonprofit organizations, ensuring the availability of these units to those in need.

ADU Fees and Taxes

When it comes to fees and taxes associated with building an ADU in Santa Cruz County, reduced fees have been implemented to encourage ADU construction. For most fee types, ADUs are treated as additions rather than new homes, resulting in lower fees. Small ADUs, measuring less than or equal to 750 square feet, enjoy further fee reductions. Various fees, such as planning and permitting fees, impact fees, and utility fees, are adjusted based on the size and characteristics of the ADU. It’s worth noting that property tax reassessment is typically triggered by the added value of the ADU rather than a complete reassessment of the entire property.

Here’s what you need to know about ADU fees and taxes:

Most fee types treat ADUs as additions instead of new homes.
Reduced fees apply to ADUs and JADUs less than or equal to 750 square feet.
Utility fees are based on the size of the ADU.
Reduced fees also apply to conversion ADUs for various aspects like utility connections, soils reports, environmental planning review, public works fees, environmental health review (unless bedrooms are added), fire review, affordable housing impact fee, and property tax increase (for added value only).

In summary, building an ADU in Santa Cruz County presents an exciting opportunity to enhance your property’s functionality, provide additional housing options, and potentially generate rental income. By familiarizing yourself with the regulations, guidelines, and requirements outlined in Santa Cruz County’s ADU Ordinance, you can navigate the process with confidence. Remember, it’s essential to consult with professionals, such as real estate experts and architects, to ensure your ADU project complies with local and state regulations while meeting your specific needs.

To access more detailed resources and information about building an ADU in Santa Cruz, I encourage you to explore the links provided in the description below. If you have any questions or require personalized assistance regarding your Santa Cruz property and the addition of an ADU or JADU, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me. I’m Shemeika Fox, your dedicated Santa Cruz real estate expert, and I’m here to provide you with a complimentary and confidential consultation. Let’s work together to make your ADU dreams a reality.

This disclaimer serves as a reminder that consumers bear the responsibility of independently verifying all information related to the information provided, including but not limited to: building costs, rental prices, and permit instructions/fees. It is crucial to consult professionals, such as legal advisors, architects, contractors, or relevant government agencies, to obtain accurate, up-to-date, and location-specific information.