Accessory Structures in Santa Clara, CA (2026)
5 verified accessory structures rules for Santa Clara, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Santa Clara permits ADUs and JADUs under California Gov Code 65852.2. Ministerial approval applies to compliant designs with no owner-occupancy requirement and no discretionary review.
Santa Clara ADU Rules
Few RestrictionsCalifornia HCD Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Handbook
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADUs) are an innovative and effective option for adding much needed housing in California. ADUs have been known by many names: granny flats, in-law units, backyard cottages, secondary units and more. HCD is the state’s leader on local ADU ordinances, which — while optional — have grown exponentially in number as more cities, ...
ADU Owner Occupancy
Santa Clara requires the property owner to live on site before a junior accessory dwelling unit can be permitted. Title 18 Zoning Code Section 18.60.020 ties JADU approval to owner-occupancy of the single-family home, with a narrow carve-out for government agencies, land trusts, and housing organizations that hold title.
Santa Clara JADU Owner-Occupancy Requirement
Some RestrictionsSanta Clara, CA, City Code (Title 18 Zoning Code) § 18.60.020
Owner-occupancy is required in the single-family residence in which the junior accessory dwelling unit will be permitted. The owner may reside in either the remaining portion of the structure or the newly created junior accessory dwelling unit. Owner-occupancy shall not be required if the owner is another governmental agency, land trust, or housing organization.
ADU Rental Restrictions
Santa Clara's Title 18 Zoning Code bars short-term rentals of accessory dwelling units. Under Section 18.60.020, every ADU and JADU created through the City's ministerial approval process must be leased for stretches longer than 30 days, closing off Airbnb-style bookings on the second unit even where the primary house is not similarly restricted.
Santa Clara ADU 30-Day Minimum Rental Rule
Some RestrictionsSanta Clara, CA, City Code (Title 18 Zoning Code) § 18.60.020
For ADUs subject to ministerial approval in one of the categories above, the following shall apply: ... b. All rentals of ADUs and JADUs shall be for a term longer than 30 days.
Shed & Carport Rules
Santa Clara caps detached sheds and other residential accessory structures at 16 feet tall and 600 square feet under Title 18 Zoning Code Chapter 18.32. Sheds over 120 square feet or 16 feet tall need an Architectural Review Check, and all sheds must clear a 3-foot side and 5-foot rear setback.
Santa Clara Shed Size, Setback and Permit Rules
Some RestrictionsSanta Clara, CA, City Code § 18.32.030 (Development Standards)
A. Height and Roof. The maximum height of a residential accessory structure shall be 16 feet, provided that the height of such a structure is no greater than the height of the primary building. B. Floor Area. Floor Area of Accessory Structures is limited to 600 square feet maximum. Residential accessory structures larger than 600 square feet may be allowed subject to the approval of a minor use...
Garage Conversions
Turning an existing garage into living space in Santa Clara counts as a converted ADU under Title 18 Zoning Code Section 18.60.020(J), which waives rear, side and street-side setbacks for the conversion, caps any expansion at 150 square feet for entry access, and drops the unit off the standard ADU size cap entirely.
Santa Clara Converted-ADU Garage Conversion Rules
Some RestrictionsSanta Clara, CA, City Code (Title 18 Zoning Code) § 18.60.020(J)
Standards Applicable to Converted ADUs. The following standards apply only to converted accessory dwelling units: ... Setbacks. An accessory dwelling unit or portion of an accessory dwelling unit located within the existing space of an existing dwelling or within an existing detached accessory structure shall not require a setback from the rear, street side, or interior side property lines.
Looking for Santa Clara County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Santa Clara city rules.
Accessory Structures in Santa Clara County →