Salinas processes Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) and Junior ADU (JADU) applications ministerially under Salinas Municipal Code Chapter 37 (Zoning), specifically §37-50.250, and California Government Code §65852.2 / §65852.22. The Community Development Department - Current Planning Division reviews permits with the state-mandated 60-day decision deadline. State law guarantees a by-right detached ADU of at least 800 sq ft and 16 feet in height regardless of underlying zoning.
The City of Salinas implements California ADU law through Chapter 37 of the Salinas Municipal Code, with primary standards at §37-50.250 and definitions at §37-10.250. Related supplemental and parking provisions appear at §37-30.020, §37-30.060, §37-30.110, §37-30.160, §37-30.390, and §37-30.430. The City Council has been updating these sections to align with the most recent California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) review (October 2025). ADU permits are processed ministerially by the Community Development Department Current Planning Division - no public hearing, no Planning Commission review, no discretionary design findings, and no neighborhood notification under Gov. Code §65852.2(b)(1). State law requires Salinas to approve, deny, or return corrections on a complete application within 60 days. State by-right minimums under Gov. Code §65852.2(c) guarantee a detached ADU of at least 800 sq ft, 16 feet in height, with 4-foot side and rear setbacks regardless of underlying zoning. Salinas allows one ADU plus one JADU on single-family lots, consistent with state law. Detached ADUs may reach 1,200 sq ft; JADUs are capped at 500 sq ft inside the existing primary dwelling. No minimum lot size applies under state preemption.
Building an ADU without permits violates SMC Chapter 37 (Zoning) and the California Building Standards Code adopted under SMC Chapter 9. Salinas Code Enforcement can issue stop-work orders, administrative citations starting at $100 and escalating, and require double permit fees on legalization applications. Unpermitted ADUs block lawful occupancy, can prevent sale or refinancing, and may trigger orders to remove the structure under California Health & Safety Code §17920.3 substandard-housing provisions.
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