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Local ADU Rules

City of Santa Rosa

Last Updated August 30, 2024

ADU Contact:

Front Counter Planner, planning@srcity.org

Standards	Details
Zones allowed	Any lot that allows single-family or multifamily dwellings and includes a proposed or existing dwelling.
Lot Restrictions	Prohibited on, and adjacent to, properties listed in the California Register of Historic Places.
Minimum Lot Size	None
Min/Max ADU Size	Minimum: None Attached: Not to exceed 50 percent of the existing living area. Except that 850 square feet must be allowed for a one-bedroom ADU, and 1,000 square feet must be allowed for an ADU with multiple bedrooms. Internal Conversion: Not to exceed 45 percent of the existing habitable space of the residence, excluding the garage, nor shall it exceed 1,200 square feet. Detached: Maximum of 1,200 square feet. JADU: Maximum 500 square feet.
ADU Building Height	Detached one-story: generally 16 feet, may be up to 18 feet: to align roof pitch with that of the primary dwelling unit. if the ADU is within one-half mile walking distance of a major transit stop or a high-quality transit corridor. if the ADU is on a lot with an existing or proposed multifamily, multistory dwelling. Attached one-story: 25 feet. Two-story: 27 feet
Setbacks	Notes: (1) Lot coverage standard cannot be applied if it would prohibit an 800 square foot ADU. (2)(3) Does not apply in Hillside areas if ADU exceeds 800 square feet. ADUs which exceed 800 square feet must comply with a 15-foot setback from side and rear property lines.
Parking Requirements	One off-street parking space unless ADU is: 750 square feet or less, or a studio unit Within a historic preservation district or one-half mile walking distance of public transit Part of an existing primary unit or accessory structure In an residential parking zone and permit not offered to occupant Within one block of a car-sharing pickup/drop-off location A JADU
Owner Occupancy	For JADUS, owner occupancy is required of primary residence or JADU unless the property owner is a governmental agency, land trust or non-profit housing organization.
Sample fees from recent permits	836 SF Attached ADU, New manufactured. Total: $5,568.26 *Fees are specific to each project and will vary. Fees change regularly. These are provided as examples only.
Other requirements	Deed restriction required for owner occupancy of either primary residence or JADU. The ADU/JADU cannot be sold separately from primary residence. JADUs must have a separate exterior entrance. ADUs/JADUs cannot be used for rentals with terms of less than 30 days.
Process	Ministerial approval process with completed applications considered within 60 days. Reviewed by Planning, Building, Water, and Engineering staff. Applications must include plot plan, floor plan, elevations, materials and color board for existing and proposed residence, cross sections, and photographs. Disclaimer: standards and process may vary. Consultation with the contact is recommended before starting any project.
Exceptions	Variance

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