Accessory Structures in Santa Ana, CA (2026)
9 verified accessory structures rules for Santa Ana, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
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.
Santa Ana ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) Regulations
Some RestrictionsADU Permits
Santa Ana reviews ADU applications ministerially through the Planning Division of the Planning and Building Agency under SAMC Section 41-194 (recently updated to align with SB 1211, effective January 1, 2025). Plan review is local through the City's E-Plan electronic submittal system; the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) sets statewide standards but does not review individual permits.
Santa Ana ADU Permit Process
Few RestrictionsADU Impact Fees
Santa Ana cannot charge impact fees on ADUs under 750 square feet under California Government Code §65852.2(f)(3)(A), which preempts local fee schedules. For ADUs 750 sf and larger, impact fees must be charged proportionally to the size of the primary dwelling per square foot, as required by state law and implemented in SAMC §41-194.
Santa Ana ADU Impact Fees
Few RestrictionsADU Owner Occupancy
Under California AB 587 (codified at Gov. Code §65852.2(a)(6)) and AB 976 (2023), Santa Ana cannot impose owner-occupancy requirements on ADUs permitted on or after January 1, 2020. AB 976 made the prohibition permanent. Junior ADUs (JADUs) still require owner-occupancy of either the primary unit or the JADU under Gov. Code §65852.22 and SAMC §41-194.
Santa Ana ADU Owner-Occupancy Rules
Few RestrictionsADU Rental Restrictions
California Government Code §65852.2(a)(6) prohibits using ADUs and JADUs as short-term rentals of fewer than 30 days. Santa Ana's SAMC §41-194 confirms that ADUs and JADUs cannot be used as vacation rentals but may be rented for 30+ days. A deed restriction is recorded at permit issuance making this restriction binding on future owners.
Santa Ana ADU Rental Restrictions
Some RestrictionsShed Rules
Santa Ana exempts one-story detached storage sheds under 120 square feet from building permit requirements. Larger structures require permits and must comply with zoning setbacks under SAMC Sec. 41-606 and 41-607. Accessory structures may not be located within 12 feet of an alley centerline.
Santa Ana Shed & Accessory Structure Rules
Few RestrictionsGarage Conversions
Garage conversions in Santa Ana are treated as ADUs under SAMC Sec. 41-194 and California ADU law. Converted garages do not require replacement parking. The structure must meet habitability standards including kitchen, bathroom, ventilation, and structural integrity requirements.
Santa Ana Garage Conversion Regulations
Some RestrictionsCarport Rules
Carports in Santa Ana are regulated as accessory structures under SAMC Chapter 41 (Zoning). Attached carports must maintain the same yard setbacks as the main building per Section 41-607. A building permit is required for carport construction.
Santa Ana Carport Regulations
Some RestrictionsTiny Homes
Tiny homes in Santa Ana are primarily regulated through the ADU framework under SAMC Section 41-194 and California Government Code Section 65852.2. Tiny homes on wheels are generally not permitted as permanent residences on residential lots unless they meet ADU or JADU requirements.
Santa Ana Tiny Home Regulations
Some RestrictionsLooking for Orange County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Santa Ana city rules.
Accessory Structures in Orange County →