ADU rules in Santa Ana, CA — also called accessory dwelling unit regulations or granny flat ordinances — cover setbacks, owner-occupancy, parking, and permit requirements.
Santa Ana allows ADUs on all residential lots per SAMC Sec. 41-194 and California Gov. Code Sec. 65852.2. Up to one ADU and one JADU per single-family lot. Detached ADUs may be up to 16 feet tall with 4-foot side/rear setbacks. No owner-occupancy requirement.
SAMC Sec. 41-194 governs ADU development in Santa Ana, aligned with California Government Code Sec. 65852.2. ADUs are permitted in zones where residential uses are allowed (R1, R2, R3, R4, and applicable Specific Development districts). Single-family lots may have one ADU and one JADU. Multi-family lots may add up to 8 detached ADUs (not exceeding total primary units) and conversion ADUs for up to 25% of existing units. Size minimums: 850 sq ft (one-bedroom) or 1,000 sq ft (two+ bedrooms). Height: detached 16 feet, attached 25 feet, conversions exempt. Setbacks: 4 feet from rear and interior side property lines for new construction; conversions of existing structures are exempt. One parking space required unless within 0.5 mile of transit. No fire sprinklers required if primary residence lacks them. Units under 750 sq ft are exempt from impact fees. No owner-occupancy requirement per AB 976. Rental must be 30+ days (no short-term rentals).
Unpermitted ADU construction: stop work order and mandatory permitting. Non-compliant ADU: building code violation. STR use of ADU: violation of both ADU and STR ordinances.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Orange County.
See how other cities in Orange County handle adu rules.
See how Santa Ana's adu rules rules stack up against other locations.
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