The Complete Cupertino ADU Requirements Guide
Considering building an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) in Cupertino? Learning the regulations is a vital step in the planning process.
An ADU is a self-contained housing unit that shares a lot with a larger main residence. ADUs can be attached to your primary dwelling or detached, like Samara’s backyard ADUs. However you use it, an ADU is a great way to increase the flexibility and value of your property.
Read on to learn everything you need to know about building an ADU in Cupertino and how to get it done with Samara.
Cupertino ADU regulations at a glance
Cupertino is required to provide feedback on your ADU permit application within 60 days of submittal, while the full permitting process typically takes three to four months.
Size and lot requirements
The minimum size for an ADU in Cupertino is 150 square feet. For ADUs larger than 800 square feet, maximum size is subject to underlying zoning requirements, such as lot coverage, floor area ratio, and open space regulations.
Generally, Cupertino’s size regulations for ADUs are as follows:
- Detached ADUs on single-family lots can be up to 850 square feet for studio or one-bedroom units, or 1,000 square feet for units with two or more bedrooms. On multi-family lots, detached ADUs can reach up to 1,200 square feet. All detached ADUs have a height limit of 18 feet.
- Attached ADUs larger than 800 square feet may not exceed 50 percent of the primary dwelling’s floor area. The maximum size for one-bedroom units is 850 square feet, and units with two or more bedrooms can be up to 1,000 square feet. The height limit is 25 feet or the primary dwelling’s height, whichever is lesser.
- Junior ADUs (JADUs) are capped at 500 square feet.
Additionally, all Cupertino ADUs must be set back at least four feet from the rear and side property lines.
Meet the KurodasDesign requirements
In Cupertino, accessory dwelling units (ADUs) must match the architectural style and materials of the main residence, including paint colors, building materials, and roof slopes. An exception is made for “Streamlined Units” (also called “66323 Units” by the City of Cupertino), which are detached ADUs of 800 square feet or less, with a maximum height of 18 feet, and at least four-foot setbacks from side and rear property lines. These streamlined ADUs do not need to match the main home’s architecture.
Parking requirements
In most cases, Cupertino requires each ADU to have one off-street parking spot. The parking requirement can be waived if your property is within a half-mile of a public transit stop or in a historic district.
If an ADU takes the place of an existing garage, you do not need to provide replacement parking.
Zoning eligibility
In Cupertino, ADUs are allowed on any lot zoned for residential or mixed-use, provided there is an existing primary dwelling or one planned for construction.
Number of ADUs allowed
Cupertino differentiates ADUs based on size: those 800 square feet or less and those larger.
On single-family lots, you may build one detached ADU up to 800 square feet and one Junior ADU (JADU). If your detached ADU exceeds 800 square feet, a JADU isn’t permitted.
Multi-family properties can have up to eight detached ADUs. Additionally, existing non-residential spaces—such as offices or storage areas—can be converted into ADUs, provided the total number of conversions doesn’t exceed 25 percent of the number of existing residential units.
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Streamline your ADU project in Cupertino
If you’re looking to build an ADU, Samara makes it easy. We handle everything from permits to installation, including ADU financing options. Call us at 650-420-2607 to schedule a 15-minute consultation and discover how simple adding a Backyard ADU can be.
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With five prefab models, Samara has an ADU for every yard.
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