Santa Clarita ADU Regulations & Zoning

A one-bedroom attached ADU can be a maximum of 850 square feet in Santa Clarita, or up to 50% of the size of the main dwelling unit, whichever is smaller. A two-bedroom attached ADU can be a maximum of 850 square feet in Santa Clarita, or up to 50% of the size of the main dwelling unit, whichever is smaller.

In Santa Clarita, a detached ADU must be a maximum of 16 feet high unless granted a special exemption by the city. An attached ADU can rise to the height of the main structure, up to a maximum of 25 feet.

Two-story ADUs can be permitted in Santa Clarita, but they must follow height requirements. Without a special exemption, detached ADUs are usually limited to 16 feet. 16 feet is usually too low for two-story buildings, which typically require at least 18 feet.

However, attached ADUs can be permitted to a hight up to the height of the main house, capped at 25 feet. If you build an ADU attached to a house 18-25 feet high, it is relatively easy to permit and design that ADU for two stories.

Residential property can only be permitted for one ADU, so you will probably not be permitted for two ADUs, attached to each other or otherwise. However, multifamily property can be permitted for up to two detached ADUs, and itispossible to design those two ADUs to be attached to each other within one new structure.

No, a JADU is defined as a small ADU converted from existing space within the main structure of the primary dwelling unit. As such, it cannot be attached to an ADU.

Generally roof decks would be permitted on an ADU, but must meet the height restrictions for the zone. Roof decks cannot encroach into the required setbacks. As a rule of thumb, railings and access staircases above 42″ need to be included in height calculations.

Santa Clarita makes no mention of specific requirements for the exterior of the ADU. However, general guidance is that the exterior roofing, trim, walls, windows and the color palette of the ADU shall incorporate the same features as the primary dwelling unit.

A soils report is required for any new structure of 1,000 square feet or longer. Since many ADUs are less than 1,000 square feet, a soils report may not be required. However, known geotechnical hazards may prompt the city to request a soils report. Examples include:

• Excavating more than 5 feet deep
• Building on a slope, especially a steep one
• Constructing near older, possibly unstable, structures

To start the plan check process, you’ll need to submit your ADU plans to the city’s Building & Safety Division. This usually means going online to their website or visiting their office. You’ll likely need to pay a fee when you submit your plans, but this varies.

The length of the plan check depends. It can take anywhere from eight to twelve weeksto get your plans approved as they move from one department to the next. This can depend on how busy the city is, if your plans have any issues, and how many corrections you may have to make.

No, a separate electric and water meter is not required for an ADU. However, you may request one from the city.

Not necessarily. An ADUcanbe permitted under the existing address. If you want your ADU to have its own address, you can apply to the Mapping and Property Management Division (MPM) for a “½” address designation. In other words, if your address is 1234 Elm Street, your ADU could have a separate address of “1234½ Elm Street.”

Low Impact Development (LID) is an approach to land development or redevelopment that seeks to preserve and conserve onsite water quality and natural features, with minimal detrimental effect to local waterways and ecosystems. The City of Santa Clarita may require LID fees for larger ADUs.

Santa Clarita has no local rent control ordinance. California AB 1482 limits rent increases to 5% plus the inflation rate to a maximum of 10%, but new construction, single-family homes not owned by corporations, and owner-occupied duplexes are exempt.

You can use gas appliances in an ADU in the City of Santa Clarita as long as all building codes, safety standards, and installation guidelines are adhered to. The proper permits must be obtained, and requirements for safety and ventilation observed.

You are not required to put fire sprinklers in your ADU if the main dwelling unit is not required by law to have fire sprinklers.