The Complete Santa Rosa ADU Requirements Guide
Santa Rosa welcomes accessory dwelling unit (or ADU) construction with a clear, efficient permitting process. Thanks to ADU-friendly state legislature passed in 2016, building an accessory dwelling unit (or ADU) in Santa Rosa has become increasingly straightforward, making it easier for homeowners to add more livable space to their properties.
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.
Here’s what you need to know about Santa Rosa ADU laws.
Santa Rosa ADU regulations at a glance
The city of Santa Rosa has a clear 60-day review window for ADU permit submissions. Below are the key requirements you need to know to design and plan your ADU.
Size and lot requirements
Square footage requirements vary based on your ADU’s classification:
- Detached ADUs are allowed up to 1,200 square feet, with height limits of 18 feet for single-story units and 27 feet for two-story units.
- Attached ADUs can be built to whichever is greatest: 50% of the main residence’s total floor area, 850 square feet for a studio or one-bedroom unit, or 1,000 square feet for units with two or more bedrooms. Height restrictions match those of detached ADUs.
- Junior ADUs (JADUs) are capped at 500 square feet.
Setback requirements in Santa Rosa vary based on your property’s zoning district. Typically, ADUs must be placed at least 20 feet from the front property line, 8 feet from corner sides, and 4 feet from side and rear property lines.
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Design requirements
Architectural Compatibility: Santa Rosa ADUs must demonstrate architectural compatibility with the main house. This can be achieved by matching any of the following:
- Paint color
- Siding material and style
- Architectural features
Privacy: Additionally, all balconies, windows, and doors of second-story ADUs must be designed to uphold the privacy of neighboring properties. This can be achieved by:
- Using design techniques such as obscured glazing
- Placing windows above eye level
- Screening treatments
- Facing openings toward the primary dwelling on the lot
Parking requirements
Santa Rosa requires one dedicated parking space for most ADUs. Exceptions include ADUs located in historic preservation districts or within a half-mile radius of public transit. Additionally, no parking is required for JADUs, studio ADUs, or units under 750 square feet.
Zoning eligibility
ADUs are permitted on any Santa Rosa lot zoned for residential use, whether single- or multi-family. The presence of an existing primary residence (or one under development) typically qualifies a property for ADU construction.
Number of ADUs allowed
Single-family properties can add one ADU and one JADU. Multi-family lots are eligible for up to eight detached ADUs, plus conversion units totaling up to 25% of the number of existing units, so long as they’re built within the non-residential parts of the building, such as storage areas.
Meet the KurodasStreamline your Santa Rosa 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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