Accessory Structures in Santa Maria, CA (2026)
4 verified accessory structures rules for Santa Maria, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Santa Maria permits one ADU and one JADU per single-family lot ministerially within 60 days; detached ADUs may be up to 1,200 sq ft with 4-foot side/rear setbacks, and parking is waived within 1/2 mile of transit.
ADUs allowed ministerially under Chapter 12-56
Few RestrictionsSanta Maria Municipal Code Chapter 12-56 (Ordinance No. 2021-03, adopted May 18, 2021), Sections 12-56.04, 12-56.05, 12-56.06
Section 12-56.04. Development standards for ADUs. ... (d) Building site. (2) Unit Size. Floor Area. a. New Construction Attached and Detached ADUs. i. The floor area of an attached, new construction ADU shall not exceed 50% of the existing primary dwelling unit's living area, or 850 square feet (1,000 square feet for ADUs that provide more than one bedroom), whichever is greater. ii. The floor ...
Shed Rules
Detached tool and storage sheds up to 120 square feet, 8 feet tall, and at least 5 feet from any other building are exempt from building permits but must sit behind the front wall of the dwelling and be screened by a 6-foot fence or wall.
Sheds up to 120 sq ft and 8 ft tall need no permit
Some RestrictionsSanta Maria Municipal Code Chapters 9-04, 9-08, and 12-27 (Accessory Structures)
One-story detached accessory buildings used as tool and storage sheds may be constructed without a building permit provided the floor area does not exceed 120 square feet, the maximum height above adjacent grade does not exceed 8 feet, and the building is located at least 5 feet from any other building on the site.
Garage Conversions
When a garage is converted to an ADU in Santa Maria, no replacement off-street parking is required, but converting a garage to a JADU or to other non-ADU living space requires onsite replacement parking under Chapter 12-32.
Garage-to-ADU conversion needs no replacement parking
Few RestrictionsSanta Maria Municipal Code Sections 12-56.04(g)(4) and 12-56.05(e)(1) (Ordinance No. 2021-03)
(4) Replacement Parking. When a garage, carport, or covered parking structure is demolished or converted in conjunction with the construction of an ADU, off-street parking space replacement shall not be required. ... Section 12-56.05(e) Parking. (1) When a garage is converted to a JADU, onsite replacement parking shall be provided in conformance with Chapter 12-32. Covered parking is not required.
Carport Rules
Carports in Santa Maria are governed by Title 12 of the Municipal Code, including Chapter 12-27 (Accessory Structures) and the Off-Street Parking and Loading chapter. Any street-facing carport must sit at least 20 feet from the property line, each covered space must be at least 9.5 by 20 feet, and detached accessory structures must stand at least 5 feet from any dwelling on the lot.
accessory-structures/carport-rules
Some RestrictionsLooking for Santa Barbara County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Santa Maria city rules.
Accessory Structures in Santa Barbara County →