ADU Rules: Mountain View vs Santa Clara
How do adu rules rules compare between Mountain View, CA and Santa Clara, CA?
Mountain View and Santa Clara have similar restriction levels.
Mountain View, CA
Santa Clara County
Mountain View ADU regulations follow California Government Code 65852.2 as amended by AB 68, AB 881, SB 13, and AB 1033. Ministerial approval applies to most ADUs and JADUs on single-family lots.
View full Mountain View rules →Santa Clara, CA
Santa Clara County
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.
View full Santa Clara rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Mountain View | Santa Clara |
|---|---|---|
| ADU per lot | One ADU plus JADU | - |
| Min max size | At least 1,200 sq ft | - |
| Setback | 4 ft side and rear | - |
| Height transit | Up to 18 feet | - |
| Review time | 60 days ministerial | - |
| State framework | - | Gov Code 65852.2 |
| Detached ADU | - | Up to 1200 sq ft |
| JADU | - | Up to 500 sq ft inside home |
| Review clock | - | 60-day ministerial |
| Sell separately | - | AB 1033 if opted in |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Mountain View FAQ
Do I need to live on site to build an ADU?
No. State law currently prohibits Mountain View from imposing owner-occupancy on standard ADUs, though a JADU generally requires owner occupancy of either unit.
Can I short-term rent my ADU?
ADUs in Mountain View may not be used as short-term vacation rentals under 30 days; long-term rental is the standard allowed use.
Santa Clara FAQ
Do I need to live on site to rent out my ADU?
State law currently suspends owner-occupancy requirements for newly permitted ADUs, so the owner is not required to reside on the property.
Can I build a 2-story detached ADU?
Yes, state standards permit up to 16 to 25 feet of height depending on lot conditions and transit proximity.
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