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 GO INTO EFFECT JANUARY 1,2020!
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.
- Properties OUTSIDE THE COASTAL ZONE: The Santa Cruz County Code has been updated to comply with the new state laws.
- Properties INSIDE THE COASTAL ZONE: The updated County Code will go into effect after it is certified by the Coastal Commission, expected Spring 2020. In the meantime, ADUs in the Coastal Zone are subject to the County’s previously adopted ADU rules:
Pardon the inconvenience as we update this ADU website to reflect these new state laws.
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Pardon the inconvenience, this webpage is being updated to reflect new state ADU laws
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.