County directory

Santa Clara County ADU rules

Each place name links to that city or county's own ADU page. Places with a 'See our rules summary' button also have our plain-language summary of the local ADU rules, with sources. Each place below says whether we show local rules or California state rules.

Places in Santa Clara County

Campbell (planning page) (opens the government site in a new tab)
Showing California state rules because a local rule change is pending
A local rule change is pending. Campbell’s ADU rules are a temporary ordinance while the City prepares permanent rules. We'll add the new local rules after they take effect and we've reviewed them.
Cupertino (opens the government site in a new tab)
Showing California state rules because Cupertino's local rules may conflict with state law or are being challenged
We show the state rules for owner-occupancy rules for junior ADUs and limits on combining a junior ADU with other ADUs. Check with Cupertino about how it handles this today.
Gilroy (opens the government site in a new tab)
Showing California state rules because Gilroy's local rules may conflict with state law or are being challenged
We show the state rules for a one-ADU-per-lot limit and a deed restriction requirement for ADUs. Check with Gilroy about how it handles this today.
Los Altos (opens the government site in a new tab)
Showing California state rules because Los Altos's local rules may conflict with state law or are being challenged
We show the state rules for owner-occupancy rules for junior ADUs, front setbacks, and an ordinance that cites a repealed state law. Check with Los Altos about how it handles this today.
Los Altos Hills (opens the government site in a new tab)See our rules summary
Showing Los Altos Hills city rules
These are Los Altos Hills's own ADU rules on file, shown with the California state rules they build on. Each item says which is which.
Where a Los Altos Hills rule may conflict with state law or is being challenged, we show the California state rule instead. This covers a separate site development permit for ADUs in some locations, a 650 sq ft junior ADU bonus above the state maximum, and parking exemptions worded to apply only when the ADU is applied for with a new main home.
Los Gatos (opens the government site in a new tab)
Showing California state rules because a local rule change is pending
A local rule change is pending. Los Gatos is updating its ADU ordinance. We'll add the new local rules after they take effect and we've reviewed them.
Milpitas (opens the government site in a new tab)
Showing California state rules
We don't have Milpitas's own ADU rules on file, so this shows the California state rules that apply across the state. Check with Milpitas for local details.
Monte Sereno (planning page) (opens the government site in a new tab)
Showing California state rules because Monte Sereno's local rules may conflict with state law or are being challenged
We show the state rules for owner-occupancy rules for junior ADUs and front setbacks for detached ADUs. Check with Monte Sereno about how it handles this today.
Morgan Hill (opens the government site in a new tab)
Showing California state rules because Morgan Hill's local rules may conflict with state law or are being challenged
We show the state rules for parking exemptions that leave out some state exemptions and a deed restriction requirement for ADUs. Check with Morgan Hill about how it handles this today.
Mountain View (opens the government site in a new tab)
Showing California state rules because Mountain View's local rules may conflict with state law or are being challenged
We show the state rules for owner-occupancy rules for junior ADUs, a 50% size cap and front setbacks without the 800 sq ft allowance, and parking. Check with Mountain View about how it handles this today.
Palo Alto (opens the government site in a new tab)See our rules summary
Showing Palo Alto city rules
These are Palo Alto's own ADU rules on file, shown with the California state rules they build on. Each item says which is which.
Where a Palo Alto rule may conflict with state law or is being challenged, we show the California state rule instead. This covers owner-occupancy rules for junior ADUs and front setbacks.
San Jose (opens the government site in a new tab)See our rules summary
Showing California state rules because San José's local rules may conflict with state law or are being challenged
The size, setback, height, and parking figures are California state rules. The San José section lists the local details we have on file, like plans, forms, and contacts.
Where a San José rule may conflict with state law or is being challenged, we show the California state rule instead. This covers a fire sprinkler rule for larger attached ADUs that can apply even when the main home has no sprinklers.
Santa Clara (opens the government site in a new tab)See our rules summary
Showing California state rules because Santa Clara's local rules may conflict with state law or are being challenged
The size, setback, height, and parking figures are California state rules. The Santa Clara section lists the local details we have on file, like plans, forms, and contacts.
Where a Santa Clara rule may conflict with state law or is being challenged, we show the California state rule instead. This covers a 15 ft rear setback for two-story parts of ADUs, a front setback for attached ADUs, and Architectural Review for second-story ADUs that don’t match the main home’s height.
Saratoga (opens the government site in a new tab)
Showing California state rules because Saratoga's local rules may conflict with state law or are being challenged
We show the state rules for owner-occupancy rules for junior ADUs and an ordinance that cites a repealed state law. Check with Saratoga about how it handles this today.
Sunnyvale (opens the government site in a new tab)See our rules summary
Showing Sunnyvale city rules
These are Sunnyvale's own ADU rules on file, shown with the California state rules they build on. Each item says which is which.
Where a Sunnyvale rule may conflict with state law or is being challenged, we show the California state rule instead. This covers a fire sprinkler rule for detached ADUs beyond fire hose reach that can apply even when the main home has no sprinklers.
Unincorporated Santa Clara County (opens the government site in a new tab)
Showing California state rules because a local rule change is pending
A local rule change is pending. The County is updating its ADU ordinance, with Board of Supervisors action expected in early 2027. We'll add the new local rules after they take effect and we've reviewed them.

All counties in the ADU directory