THINKING ABOUT AN ADU?

HERE ARE SOME THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU BUILD

An ADU, or Accessory Dwelling Unit, can be a great way to extend your living space or create a space for extended family, guests, or renters.

ADU BENEFITS

Affordable
Can provide a source of income
Make better use of underutilized space (garages, etc.)
Allows extended family to stay close, yet independent
Increase availability of affordable housing in town which can reduce commuting and greenhouse gas emissions

STATE ADU/JADU STANDARDS

ADUs are also known as AKA granny flats, in-law units, backyard cottages, secondary units

There is a detached limit of 1,200 SF or 50% of primary residence living area
Can be attached, detached, or a repurposed existing structure
Junior ADU is defined as being part of the existing building footprint (ie., garage ADU) and is under 500 SF
You can have one of each on a single-family zoned property

PARKING REQUIREMENTS AND SETBACKS

One parking space per unit or bedroom (whichever is less) if you are located more than one half mile from public transit

ADUs do not require parking if they are created within an existing space in the home or an accessory structure, like an existing detached garage
Setbacks: 4’ from side and rear property lines
You can demolish an existing structure and replace its footprint with an ADU to retain existing setbacks
Cities must provide approval or denial of ADUs within 60 days of receiving the application (prior rule was 120 days)
HOA’s cannot prohibit development of ADUs or JADUs
Impact fees typically range from $2,000-$7,000

CITY OF SANTA BARBARA ADU/JADU SUBMITTAL PROCESS

Pre-application (optional) – Preliminary plan check for zoning compliance; will outline any zoning concerns for the project.

- Review time = 30-45 days

- Pre-application form and (1) set of plans and color photos submitted to Planning Counter

- Preliminary Plan Check fee (half of the applicable Zoning Plan Check fee)

Coastal Review – If the property is in the Coastal Zone, the application must include a Coastal Act approval. Check with Planning Counter to discuss the appropriate level of coastal review required for project

- ADU – requires Coastal Exemption/Exclusion or Coastal Development Permit These conditions mean it costs more than normal from an architect standpoint as well as a fees standpoint, and takes about 4 months

- JADU – may not be considered “development” under the Coastal Act and may not require additional coastal review

Design Review – NOT required for an ADU/JADU that meets all criteria and standards stablished by State law, however, it may be required for unrelated work to the site or primary residence

- If any work to the primary residential unit requires design review, homeowner must submit Design Review Application to the Planning Counter

Building Permit – Required for all ADU/JADU submittals

- Complete Application, ADU/JADU Worksheet, and additional items

- Combined Permits

o May require abatement of existing code violations on the property

o For lot without primary residence: permit for primary residence must be issued first or concurrently with ADU permit

Interim Urgency Ordinance - Temporarily prohibits ADU/JADU development in High Fire Hazard Zones and on properties containing or immediately adjacent to identified historical resources if the ADU might significantly change the historic resource.