Accessory Structures in Santa Cruz County, CA (2026)

SCCC 13.10.681 (Development Standards for ADUs)

Areas zoned for single-family dwelling residential use may potentially have up to four ADUs, including one detached ADU no more than 800 square feet with minimum 4-foot side and rear setbacks and height no more than 16 feet, 18 feet if near transit, or 20 feet if roof pitch aligns with primary dwelling unit.

Santa Cruz County Code § 13.10.681(H)(3)(a)-(c)

The County of Santa Cruz and any other local agency, special district or water corporation shall not impose any impact fee upon the development of a JADU or an ADU less than 750 square feet. Impact fees charged for ADUs greater than or equal to 750 square feet shall be charged proportionately in relation to the square footage of the primary dwelling unit. For the purposes of this section, "impa...

Santa Cruz County Code § 13.10.681(G)(3)

Short-Term Rental Use. In no case shall a short-term rental use of less than 30 days be permitted in an ADU or JADU. A property with an ADU or JADU shall not be eligible for participation in the vacation rental or hosted rental programs.

SCCC 13.10.611 (Accessory Structures)

A detached accessory structure less than 120 square feet in size and 10 feet or less in height may be constructed to within three feet of the side and rear property lines, unless a building envelope not based on zoning standards has been established on the parcel for some other purpose, such as a setback from a sensitive habitat or geological hazard.

SCCC 13.10.681 (Development Standards for ADUs)

A 'Conversion ADU' means the conversion of any portion of a legal accessory structure, single-family dwelling, or garage for the purpose of creating an ADU. Conversion ADUs can include demolition and rebuilding of a structure with the same footprint and building envelope and can also include additions of up to 150 square feet. Parking is not required for Conversion ADUs or JADUs.

Santa Cruz County Code § 13.10.680 (Ord. 5413 § 1, 2022)

"Tiny Home on Wheels (THOW)" shall be defined per SCCC § 13.10.700-T: An independent dwelling unit, maximum 400 gross square feet, excluding loft area space if that loft area space meets the requirements of Government Code Section 18009.3(b) and Section 18033 and maximum 14 feet in width at the maximum horizontal projection. It provides complete independent living facilities for one or more per...