Accessory Structures in Santa Clarita, CA (2026)
4 verified accessory structures rules for Santa Clarita, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Santa Clarita reviews accessory dwelling units and junior ADUs through a ministerial Class I application under Section 17.22.090, with substantive standards set in Section 17.57.040(L). A final certificate of occupancy for the ADU cannot issue before the primary dwelling's own final certificate of occupancy.
Santa Clarita Accessory Dwelling Unit Standards
Some RestrictionsSanta Clarita, CA, Unified Development Code Sec. 17.57.040(L) (Accessory Dwelling Units); Sec. 17.22.090 (Accessory Dwelling Unit Permit)
Accessory Dwelling Units. This subsection implements California law governing accessory dwelling unit ("ADU") and junior accessory dwelling unit ("JADU") mandates, including, without limitation, Government Code Section 66323, as may be amended from time to time, pursuant to California law. Should any conflict arise between this subsection and California law, California law controls... 2. Certif...
ADU Impact Fees
Santa Clarita charges accessory dwelling unit development impact fees based on the ADU's square footage relative to the primary home, under UDC Section 17.57.040(L)(5)(a). Owners also pay a separate utility connection fee sized to the ADU's water and sewer burden. The Council sets exact fee amounts by resolution, and state law can override the fee where it applies.
Santa Clarita ADU Development Impact Fees
Some RestrictionsSanta Clarita, CA, Unified Development Code § 17.57.040(L)(5)(a) (Accessory Dwelling Units - Fees)
Except as provided in applicable law, all ADUs and JADUs are subject to development impact fees. ADU development impact fees will be charged proportionally related to the square footage of the primary dwelling unit in accordance with this code.
ADU Rental Restrictions
Santa Clarita requires any accessory dwelling unit that is rented out to be leased for 30 days or longer, per UDC Section 17.57.040(L)(3)(a). The rule blocks short-term and vacation rental use of ADUs built under the city's state-mandated ADU program. Junior ADUs carry the identical 30-day floor plus an owner-occupancy requirement for the main house or the JADU itself.
Santa Clarita ADU Minimum 30-Day Rental Rule
Significant RestrictionsSanta Clarita, CA, Unified Development Code § 17.57.040(L)(3)(a) (Accessory Dwelling Units - Limitations)
ADUs may not be used in violation of this code, and any rental of the ADU must be for a term of 30 days or longer.
Shed & Carport Rules
Santa Clarita limits how many detached accessory structures, including sheds, a residential lot may hold and how tall they can be under UDC Section 17.57.040. Lots under 20,000 square feet get one accessory structure, larger lots up to an acre get two, and lots an acre or bigger get three. Height in the UR2 through UR5 zones tops out at 20 feet or the house's height, whichever is less.
Santa Clarita Accessory Building and Shed Rules
Some RestrictionsSanta Clarita, CA, Unified Development Code § 17.57.040(A), (K)(1)(c) (Accessory Buildings and Structures)
Such buildings and structures shall not exceed twenty (20) feet in height or exceed the height of the primary residence, whichever is less, in the UR2, UR3, UR4, and UR5 zones. ... For parcels less than twenty thousand (20,000) square feet in size, a maximum of one (1) accessory structure/outbuilding is permitted. ... Additional accessory structures/outbuildings which do not require a building ...
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County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Santa Clarita city rules.
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