ADU rules in Sunnyvale, CA — also called accessory dwelling unit regulations or granny flat ordinances — cover setbacks, owner-occupancy, parking, and permit requirements.
Sunnyvale allows ADUs and JADUs on single-family and multifamily lots under California Government Code 65852.2 plus AB 68, 881, and SB 13. AB 1033 now allows ADUs to be sold as separate condos.
Sunnyvale fully implements California ADU law under Government Code Section 65852.2 and follows the ministerial approval standards of AB 68, AB 881, and SB 13. On single-family lots, owners may build one detached ADU up to 1200 square feet plus one JADU up to 500 square feet converted from existing space. Detached ADUs have four-foot side and rear setbacks, a 16-foot height limit, and no owner-occupancy requirement for new ADUs. Multifamily properties can convert up to 25 percent of existing units plus build two detached ADUs. As of 2024, AB 1033 permits cities that opt in to allow ADUs to be sold as condominiums separately from the primary home. Sunnyvale processes ADU permits through the One-Stop Permit Center, and parking is not required within a half mile of transit. Impact fees are waived for ADUs under 750 square feet.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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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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