ADU rules in San Jose, CA — also called accessory dwelling unit regulations or granny flat ordinances — cover setbacks, owner-occupancy, parking, and permit requirements.
San Jose regulates ADUs and JADUs under San Jose Municipal Code §20.30.150, originally updated by the City Council in mid-2018 and amended to track state law. Detached ADUs are capped at 1,200 sq ft (on lots of 9,000 sq ft or larger; 1,000 sq ft cap on smaller lots), and JADUs at 500 sq ft within the primary single-family dwelling.
SJMC §20.30.150 implements the ministerial review process required by California Government Code §65852.2 — applications are decided without a public hearing based on objective standards. Detached ADUs must be located in the rear yard or at least 45 feet from the front property line, with a minimum 3-foot side and rear setback for the ground floor (4 feet for a second story) and a 6-foot separation from the main dwelling. One-story detached ADUs are limited to 18 feet in height and two-story detached ADUs to 24 feet. No additional off-street parking is required by state law where the property is within a half-mile walking distance of public transit. ADUs may not be rented for terms shorter than 30 days, consistent with state law and the city's STR ordinance.
Unpermitted ADUs are code violations enforced by San Jose Code Enforcement with stop-work orders, administrative citations, and required compliance. Renting an ADU for fewer than 30 days violates state ADU law and San Jose's short-term rental rules.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Santa Clara County.
See how other cities in Santa Clara County handle adu rules.
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