ADU rules in Santa Paula, CA — also called accessory dwelling unit regulations or granny flat ordinances — cover setbacks, owner-occupancy, parking, and permit requirements.
Santa Paula allows accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on all residentially-zoned lots per California Government Code §§65852.2–65852.22. ADUs up to 800 sq ft are permitted by right. Larger ADUs (up to 1,200 sq ft for detached, 50% of primary dwelling for attached) are also allowed with standard setbacks.
Under California ADU law and Santa Paula's implementing ordinance, one ADU and one Junior ADU (JADU) are permitted on any lot with an existing or proposed single-family dwelling. Detached ADUs may be up to 1,200 sq ft and 16 feet tall. Attached ADUs may be up to 50% of the primary dwelling's floor area. ADUs of 800 sq ft or less with 4-foot side and rear setbacks are permitted by right with no discretionary review. No additional parking is required for ADUs within half a mile of public transit. The city cannot require owner-occupancy for ADUs permitted after January 1, 2020. ADUs may be rented but cannot be sold separately from the primary dwelling (unless under AB 1033 tenancy-in-common provisions). Connection fees are waived for ADUs under 750 sq ft. JADUs must be within the existing primary dwelling footprint and are limited to 500 sq ft.
Building an ADU without permits is a code violation subject to stop-work orders and retroactive permit requirements at increased fees. The city must approve compliant ADU applications within 60 days. Denying a compliant ADU application violates state law and may result in state enforcement action against the city.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Ventura County.
See how other cities in Ventura County handle adu rules.
See how Santa Paula's adu rules rules stack up against other locations.
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