As cities across the United States look for new solutions to alleviate the growing housing crisis, accessory dwelling units (ADUs) have become an increasingly popular option. Santa Clara has taken a proactive approach to encouraging ADU construction and has recently released updates to their ADU regulations. In this blog post, we will explore the recent updates to Santa Clara adu regulations and what they mean for developers, homeowners, and potential ADU tenants.
Santa Clara is leading the way with progressive policies that are focused on increasing the city’s supply of available housing, while ensuring that potential ADU tenants and homeowners have the necessary protections. We’ll also discuss the potential impacts that Santa Clara adu rules may have on the local housing market.
- Changes to requirements for zoning and building permits
The Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors recently revised its zoning and building permit requirements for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). Under the new regulations, ADUs may now be built in all zoning districts, subject to certain requirements. A permit is also required for any ADU located in a residential zone. The permits include a variety of building standards, such as maximum square footage, setback requirements, and prohibitions on large garages. Furthermore, any ADU must be owner-occupied or occupied by a family member. These changes make it easier for property owners to construct ADUs. And they ensure that they meet the county’s safety and quality standards.
The expansion of ADU sizes
The Santa Clara ADU regulations have recently been updated to expand the size of detached ADUs. This includes allowing an increase in the floor area of up to 1,200 square feet. As well as allowing an additional story of up to two stories. The new regulations also allow existing homes to add an ADU of up to 800 square feet and permit the conversion of existing garages into detached ADUs. These changes will make it easier for homeowners to add additional living space to their properties. Also, help to make Santa Clara more affordable.
- Updated guidelines for parking requirements
Santa Clara County has updated its parking requirements for accessory dwelling units (ADUs). For single-family dwellings, one parking has required for each ADU. For multi-family dwellings, the total number of parking spaces is need for the ADU. The must be at least one fewer than the number of spaces required for the entire building. If the number of parking spaces needed for the building exceeds the maximum parking requirements for the city. The number of spaces for the ADU must reduce to meet the maximum requirements. Additionally, parking requirements for ADUs may reduce to zero. If the ADU is located in an area with high walkability or accessibility to public transportation.
All in all, the updated Santa Clara ADU regulations. They provide a great opportunity for homeowners to expand their living space and add valuable rental income to their property. These regulations also allow for greater flexibility in terms of housing design and construction. Allowing for a wide range of ADU options that can better fit into the existing neighborhoods. The updated regulations clearly demonstrate Santa Clara’s commitment to providing more affordable housing options and creating vibrant communities.
