Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), sometimes called “granny units” or “second units,” are housing units that can be attached or detached accessory structures associated with single or multifamily dwellings. ADUs are part of the solution to Santa Cruz County’s critical housing shortage and high housing costs.

DID YOU KNOW? NEW ADU LAWS ARE IN EFFECT!

Starting January 1, 2020, new state laws went into effect making it even easier to construct ADUs. These new laws cover the topics of streamlined project review, reduced fees, more lenient development standards, lower parking requirements, Junior ADUs, multifamily dwelling ADUs, owner occupancy requirements, short-term rentals, nonconformities, and code enforcement.

• The Santa Cruz County Code has been updated to comply with the new state laws. The new ADU ordinance has been approved by the Board of Supervisors and certified by the California Coastal Commission.
  • ADU Regulations in effect January 1, 2020
  • 2020 ADU Brochure- Basics
  • 2020 ADU Brochure - Development Standards
  • Santa Cruz County ADU Ordinance approved January 28, 2020
  • ADU Presentation to Board of Supervisors

ATTENTION ADU PROPERTY OWNERS!

If you own an ADU in unincorporated Santa Cruz County, please complete our survey to help improve the County’s ADU program.