Santa Barbara ADU Regulations
Building an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) in Santa Barbara means following local zoning, setback, and permitting rules. Hive ADU helps homeowners every step of the way.
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Understanding Santa Barbara ADU Requirements
Santa Barbara ADU regulations are designed to strike a balance between new housing opportunities and the city’s historic character and coastal environment. This guide outlines essential standards for ADU size, setbacks, parking, height, and permitting. Hive ADU brings experience working within Santa Barbara’s layered approval processes to help you complete your project smoothly and successfully.
Santa Barbara, California
As a professional ADU builder, we provide this updated guide to help you understand Santa Barbara’s Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) regulations. While this guide offers an overview, our expertise ensures your project complies with all local and state requirements.
Jurisdiction
- City Authority: ADUs in Santa Barbara are regulated under two zoning codes: Title 30 (Inland Zoning Ordinance) and Title 28 (Coastal Zoning Ordinance).
- Coastal Zone Considerations: Properties within the Coastal Zone are subject to additional regulations to protect coastal resources. ADUs in these areas must comply with the Local Coastal Program (LCP) and may require a Coastal Development Permit.
- Fire Hazard Areas: Standard ADUs are generally prohibited in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones. However, “Special ADUs” meeting specific criteria may be permitted in these areas.
- Zoning Eligibility: ADUs are allowed on lots with existing or proposed residential units, including single-family and multi-family properties.
Understanding your property’s specific zoning and any overlays is crucial. Our team can assess your property’s eligibility and navigate any additional requirements.
State Law Overrides
- State Compliance: Santa Barbara’s ADU ordinances align with California state laws, ensuring streamlined approval processes.
- Ministerial Approval: ADU applications that meet objective standards are approved without discretionary review.
- Owner-Occupancy: ADUs do not require owner-occupation. However, JADUs require the owner to reside on the property.
- Multiple Units: Single-family lots may have one ADU and one JADU, and multi-family properties may be eligible for multiple ADUs.
State laws have simplified the ADU approval process. Our expertise ensures your project meets all necessary criteria for swift approval.
Maximum ADU Size
- Detached ADUs: Up to 1,200 sq ft, subject to lot size and zoning.
- Attached ADUs: Limited to 50% of the primary dwelling’s living area or 1,000 sq ft, whichever is less.
- Special ADUs: Detached units are limited to 800 sq ft and one story in fire-prone areas.
- JADUs: Maximum of 500 sq ft, located within the existing single-family residence.
- Conversions: No size limit when converting existing structures like garages.
Determining the optimal size for your ADU involves balancing your needs with regulatory limits. We can help design a unit that maximizes space and compliance.
Setback Requirements
- Side and Rear Setbacks: Minimum of 4 feet for new detached ADUs.
- Front Setbacks: Must comply with the zoning district’s requirements.
- Separation: Minimum of 5 feet between detached ADUs and other structures.
- Conversions: Setback requirements do not apply when converting existing structures.
Proper placement of your ADU is essential. Our team ensures your design meets all setback and separation standards.
Height Limits
- One-Story ADUs: Maximum height of 16 feet.
- Two-Story ADUs: Up to 25 feet if not in the rear setback area or constructed above an existing structure.
- Special ADUs: In fire-prone areas, limited to one story and 16 feet tall.
Height considerations can impact design and approval. We provide solutions that align with both your vision and regulatory limits.
Parking Requirements
- General Rule: One parking space is required for the ADU, in addition to existing requirements for the primary residence.
- Exemptions: No additional parking is required if the property is within ½ mile of public transit, in a historic district, or when converting existing structures.
- Replacement: If a garage is converted, replacement parking is not required.
Parking regulations can be complex. We assess your property’s specifics to determine parking requirements and solutions.
Permit Process & Timelines
- Building Permit: Required for all ADUs.
- Coastal Development Permit: This may be necessary for properties in the coastal zone.
- Processing Time: Applications must be approved or denied within 60 days of submission.
Our experience with the permitting process ensures efficient handling of all necessary applications and approvals.
Impact Fees & Utilities
- Impact Fees: Waived for ADUs under 750 sq ft; applicable for larger units.
- Utility Connections: ADUs may share utilities with the primary residence, but depending on the project’s specifics, separate connections may be required.
- School Fees: May apply to ADUs over 500 sq ft.
We provide detailed cost assessments, including potential fees and utility considerations, to help you plan your project budget.
Incentives & Rebates
- Grant Programs: State-funded grants may be available to help cover planning or construction costs.
- Energy Efficiency: Incentives for all-electric ADUs and green building features may reduce long-term costs
- ADU Legalization: Assembly Bill (AB) 2533 provides a path for legalizing unpermitted ADUs or JADUs constructed before January 1, 2020.
Our team assists in identifying and applying for applicable programs to maximize savings and ensure compliance with all relevant regulations.
Helpful Links
City of Santa Barbara ADU Program
Ordinance No. 6058 – Title 28 (Coastal ADUs)
Build An ADU In Santa Barbara
ADU development in Santa Barbara involves navigating inland and coastal zoning codes, strict design guidelines, and fire hazard restrictions. Hive ADU manages the whole process from zoning and fire zone analysis to custom design and permitting. Whether your project is in the Coastal Zone or requires a specialized fire-compliant design, we create plans that fit your vision and meet code. Our permitting team handles every form, including Coastal Development Permits when needed, and we oversee construction to ensure your ADU is built to the highest standards with no surprises along the way.
Explore Hive ADU Models
See all our pre-designed ADU models, floorplans, and design finishes
Thinking about building an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) in Ventura or Santa Barbara County? Download our comprehensive Hive ADU Model Guide for detailed floor plans, stunning 3D renderings, premium features, and turnkey pricing. Discover the perfect ADU for your property.
From studio to 3-bedroom ADU floor plans, our catalog features bright, space-maximizing designs tailored for Ventura and Santa Barbara county homeowners. Our free guide includes real-life examples, cost breakdowns, and tips for navigating zoning compliance. Whether you’re planning a granny flat, home office, or tiny home backyard rental, get actionable insights to simplify your build.