01 / Plan pathChoose the right production starting point.
The City publishes an ADU guidebook and standard ADU plans. Plan review is approximately 30 days from submittal.
Express PlanStarting at $4,500For a qualifying jurisdiction preapproved plan adapted into the property-specific architectural production set.
Custom PlanStarting at $6,500For an original floor plan and architectural production set developed around the property and homeowner.
02 / Size + fee checkpointsSize affects more than floor area.
City materials state an ADU may not exceed 50 percent of the existing living area or 1,200 square feet, whichever is smaller, with a minimum 20-foot front-yard setback and four-foot side and rear yards.
City materials indicate ADUs of 749 square feet or smaller are not subject to impact fees, and that no off-street parking is required for any new or converted ADU. Confirm current figures with Planning at 805-933-4214.
500 SFConfirm school-fee assessment rules750 SFState impact-fee protection checkpoint1,000 SFTwo-bedroom state minimum allowance1,200 SFCommon local upper-range checkpoint
03 / Site conditionsProperty conditions can change the path.
- Zoning and lot configuration
- Front-yard setback and yard dimensions
- Flood conditions along the Santa Clara River corridor
- Fire access and water supply
04 / Consultant screenLikely disciplines to evaluate.
- Structural engineering
- Title 24 energy documentation
- Survey where boundaries require it
- Civil or geotechnical review when triggered
Consultants are retained only when required by the property, design, or reviewing agency. Their proposals and coordination are separate from the architectural production fee unless stated otherwise in the agreement.
05 / Property-specific next stepTurn the guide into a preliminary project report.
Enter the address to screen jurisdiction, mapped constraints, likely agencies, drawing requirements, consultants, and the preliminary fee path.
Important: This guide is general planning information, not a zoning determination, permit approval, fee quote, or guarantee of feasibility. Current parcel records, adopted codes, agency interpretations, utility requirements, site investigation, and written agency confirmation control.