County directory

Santa Cruz 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 Cruz County

Capitola (opens the government site in a new tab)See our rules summary
Showing California state rules, plus Capitola details
The size, setback, height, and parking figures are California state rules. The Capitola section lists the local details we have on file, like plans, forms, and contacts.
Santa Cruz (opens the government site in a new tab)See our rules summary
Showing Santa Cruz city rules
These are Santa Cruz's own ADU rules on file, shown with the California state rules they build on. Each item says which is which.
Scotts Valley (opens the government site in a new tab)See our rules summary
Showing Scotts Valley city rules
These are Scotts Valley's own ADU rules on file, shown with the California state rules they build on. Each item says which is which.
Where a Scotts Valley rule may conflict with state law or is being challenged, we show the California state rule instead. This covers a rule that new ADUs be served by municipal water.
Watsonville (opens the government site in a new tab)See our rules summary
Showing Watsonville city rules
These are Watsonville's own ADU rules on file, shown with the California state rules they build on. Each item says which is which.
Where a Watsonville rule may conflict with state law or is being challenged, we show the California state rule instead. This covers a separate Administrative Review Permit before the building permit, private open space and design rules for non-exempt ADUs, and owner-occupancy rules for junior ADUs.
Unincorporated Santa Cruz 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 rules (County Code Chapters 13.10 and 13.20). The Board of Supervisors heard the ordinance on June 9, 2026, with final adoption set for June 30, 2026, and the Coastal Zone parts need California Coastal Commission certification. The County says its ADU guides are being updated, and a February 2025 state housing department letter found the prior ordinance out of compliance. We'll add the new local rules after they take effect and we've reviewed them.

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