5 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 5 cities in Santa Clara County, California.
Verified from official government sources
Santa Clara County complies with CA ADU mandates (Gov Code 65852.2, AB 68/881/SB 13, AB 1033). One ADU plus one JADU allowed on single-family lots up to 1,200 sq ft with ministerial approval in 60 days.
In unincorporated Santa Clara County, sheds are regulated as accessory buildings under Zoning Ordinance Section 4.20.020. A shed whose combined length plus width plus height does not exceed 16 feet is exempt from zoning regulation, but a building permit may still apply under the California Building Code. Larger sheds in urban residential districts (R1, R1E, R2, R1S, RHS) are capped at 12 feet (16-foot ridge with hip/gable roof), one story, must sit in the rear half of the lot or 75 feet from the front line, and may not cover more than 30 percent of the rear yard.
Santa Clara County permits garage-to-ADU conversions ministerially under state law with no replacement parking required. Building permits address egress, ceiling height, insulation, and electrical upgrades.
Santa Clara County permits carports as accessory structures, requiring a building permit when over 120 sq ft. Detached carports sit 5 ft from side/rear lines, and VHFHSZ zones require ignition-resistant materials.
Unincorporated Santa Clara County allows movable tiny homes as a substitute for one Accessory Dwelling Unit under Zoning Ordinance Section 4.10.015(E), adopted by Ordinance NS-1200.371 on March 10, 2020. The unit must comply with state ANSI 119.5 standards, be DMV-registered, sit on a permanent connection to water, sewer or septic, and electric, and have at least 100 square feet of enclosed space. Standard detached ADUs may go up to 1,200 square feet at 16 feet in height with 4-foot side and rear setbacks under Cal. Gov. Code 65852.2.
5 cities in Santa Clara County have their own accessory structures rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
9 verified rules • ADU Impact Fees, ADU Owner Occupancy
9 verified rules • ADU Impact Fees, ADU Owner Occupancy
5 verified rules • ADU Rules, Carport Rules
5 verified rules • ADU Rules, Carport Rules
5 verified rules • ADU Rules, Carport Rules
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