Santa Barbara, CA Accessory Structures: ADU Rules (2026)

Santa Barbara adopted Ordinance 6103 in February 2023, amending Municipal Code Section 30.185.040 (Title 30) to align with California Government Code 66310-66342 (formerly 65852.2/65852.22). An ADU may be permitted on any lot in a zone allowing residential use that has an existing or proposed primary residential unit; a JADU must sit within an existing or proposed single residential unit and may not exceed 500 sq ft. The City reviews complete ADU/JADU building-permit applications ministerially within state-mandated timeframes. Maximum floor area for a detached standard ADU is 850 sq ft (one-bedroom/studio on lots up to 14,999 sq ft), 1,000 sq ft (two or more bedrooms on lots up to 14,999 sq ft), or 1,200 sq ft (lots 15,000 sq ft or larger). An attached ADU may not exceed 50% of the primary unit's living area. Newly constructed ADUs use a four-foot interior setback; no setback is required for conversions. Detached ADU height is generally limited to 18 feet and one story (25 feet if attached), per Section 30.185.040.G and H. No parking is required, and converted garage parking need not be replaced. Standard ADUs are prohibited in the Foothill/Extreme Foothill Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, though smaller 'special' ADUs may be allowed there. ADUs cannot be sold separately from the primary unit, and any rental must be 31 consecutive days or longer. In the city's Coastal Overlay Zone (S-D-3), an ADU is also subject to the City's coastal development permit process under Title 28, consistent with state coastal-zone requirements.