The Complete Santa Barbara ADU Requirements Guide
Building an accessory dwelling unit (or ADU) in Santa Barbara has become increasingly streamlined, thanks to California’s ADU-friendly state laws. Since 2016, Santa Barbara’s ADU policies have evolved to create a straightforward permitting process for homeowners, resulting in the construction of hundreds of one- and two-bedroom ADUs.
An ADU is a self-contained housing unit with provisions for living, cooking, and sanitation added to a residential property. Whether you’re planning to use yours as a guest house, home office, or rental, an ADU is a great way to maximize your lot’s value—both in the long and short term.
Recent data shows compelling financial returns for Santa Barbara property owners. According to county surveys, detached ADUs command approximately $2,500 in monthly rent—a $600 premium over attached units, demonstrating the strong market demand for independent living spaces.
Santa Barbara ADU regulations at a glance
The city has established a clear 60-day review timeline for ADU submissions, with most permits completing within three to four months of initial submittal. Here are the key requirements you need to know to design and plan your ADU.
Size and lot requirements
Santa Barbara maintains specific square footage requirements based on ADU classification:
- Detached ADUs can reach 1,200 square feet with an 18-foot height allowance. The county average is 630 square feet.
- Attached ADUs can be either 1,200 square feet or 50% of the primary residence’s floor area, whichever is smaller. These units can match the primary residence’s height up to 25 feet.
- Junior ADUs (JADUs) are capped at 500 square feet.
All ADUs must be at least 150 square feet and have setbacks of at least four feet from the rear and side property lines. Front yard placement requires a 20-foot setback from front lot lines and screening from street view—unless your particular neighborhood requires a greater setback.
Samara has an ADU for every yard.
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Parking requirements
Standard regulations require one uncovered parking space per ADU. However, properties within a half-mile radius of public transit or within designated historic districts may qualify for parking requirement exemptions.
Zoning and property eligibility
ADUs are allowed on all residential lots with existing or in-development primary residences. The February 2023 code update also permits residential ADU conversions in the upper floors of mixed-use commercial buildings.
Special considerations apply within the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, where only “Special ADUs” meeting enhanced safety criteria receive approval.
Number of ADUs allowed
Single-family properties are allowed one detached ADU, one garage conversion ADU, and one JADU. For more information about these distinctions, check out our guide to the different types of ADUs in California.
Multi-family properties may have up to eight detached ADUs plus conversions of up to 25% of existing units within non-residential spaces like storage areas or offices.
Meet the KurodasStreamline your Santa Barbara ADU project
If you’re looking to build an ADU, Samara makes it easy. We handle everything from permits to installation, and even offer our own financing. 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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