Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) City Regulations
Zoning:
New or Expanded ADUs: R-0/R-1/R-2/Residential DSP blocks
Conversion ADUs: R-0/R-1/R-1.5/R-1-7/PD/R-2/Residential DSP blocks
Lot Size:
R-0 require min. 6,000 sq.ft.
R-1 require min. 8,500 sq.ft.
R-2/Residential DSP blocks require min. 5,000 sq.ft. (R-2 also require a 1,000 sq.ft. open space minimum)
Conversion ADUs have no minimum.
Maximum ADU Floor Area:
Min. 150 sq.ft., max. 700 sq.ft.
Number of Bedrooms:
No min/max
Storage/Closet:
No min/max
Kitchen/Bath:
Require separate bathroom and kitchen facilities (permanent range, counters, refrigerator and sink).
Parking:
In addition to required spaces for primary dwelling, one off-street parking space must be provided for each ADU, can be in tandem on existing driveway.
Parking Exceptions:
No parking space is required if unit:
Is located within one-half mile of major transit stop.
Is located within a designated historic district.
Is part of existing main dwelling or existing residential accessory structure intended for human habitation.
When on-street parking permits required but not offered to the occupant of AD.
Has car share vehicle located within one block of ADU.
Is permitted as a Junior ADU.
Setbacks:
All setback, lot coverage, building height, open space, design review and other applicable zoning requirements in Title 19 shall be satisfied, except as permitted by variance.
Height:
15' unless approved with use permit (19.40.020)
Location:
Cannot be placed in front of main dwelling.
Rear Yard Coverage:
Lot coverage zoning requirements found in Title 19 must be satisfied.
Materials/Design:
Exterior materials, colors and appearance to match primary structures on same lot. Minimal exterior changes are allowed for Conversion ADUs.
Entryways:
Entrances and outside stairways serving ADU shall not be constructed on any building elevation facing public street.
For more ADU Information
https://sunnyvale.ca.gov/civicax/filebank/blobdload.aspx?BlobID=23584