Cupertino
ADUs
Everything about building Accessory Dwelling Units in Cupertino, CA
Check your property to get zoning info & price quotes for ADU feasibility & design services:
Cupertino ADU Guidelines Last Updated 04/05/20
The California Building Code (CBC) 2019 is adopted.
Relevant state bill updates for SB13, AB68, AB881, AB670 are shown in green below.
hintsights
City Hint: The city has not yet responded to requests for ADU permit volumes for the past year, but they will be provided here once response has been received.
Number of ADUs allowed:
Under state law, each single-family home may now build at least one Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU). Owner occupied single-family parcels may build one Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) and one Junior ADU. Multi-family parcels, per every four existing residential units, may build one Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU), so long as the existing units were legally established.
As of January 1st, 2020
Types of ADUs allowed:
Detached ADU, Attached ADU, Junior ADU are allowed. Accessory Dwelling Units may be new construction or converted from existing space. Junior ADUs must be converted from existing space.
Lot size:
Single family and multi-family residential properties will not be subject to the minimum lot size of the underlying zoning district or by ordinance for Accessory Dwelling Unit projects. ~ AB-68
As of January 1st, 2020
ADU size:
Residential properties will be permitted to create up to 850 square ft. for a one bed ADU or up to 1,000 square ft. for a two bed ADU, regardless of the underlying zoning standards of the property. A Junior ADU is permitted up to 500 square ft.. According to Califronia Residential Code, the minimum size of any living unit is 150 square ft. (including Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior ADUs). ~ According To AB68
As of January 1st, 2020
Setbacks:
Setbacks for a detached new construction Accessory Dwelling Unit shall be no more than 4 ft. from the rear and side lot lines. No setbacks shall be required for Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units converted from legally eastablished existing space. Attached new construction Accessory Dwelling Units and conversions from existing space to be expanded must comply with the setbacks of the underlying zone. ~ AB-68
As of January 1st, 2020
Parking:
Replacement parking shall not apply to lots which convert an existing garage to an Accessory Dwelling Unit or Junior Accessort Dwelling Unit (JADU). ~ AB68 & AB881 Update
As of January 1st, 2020
Fire Safety:
Per state minimum requirements.
Shape, materials and style:
Proposed architecture, colors, materials, etc. must be consistent with the main house.
Height:
Second-story accessory dwelling units are allowed if the unit: 1. Is a conversion of existing second story portions of the principal dwelling unit; and 2. Complies with applicable landscape requirements to adjoining dwellings consistent with Section 19.28.120 Not allowed for detached ADUs.
Design review:
Ministerial review process per state standards.
Number of Bedrooms:
Not specified by State Standards.
Ownership:
Owner-occupancy will not be required for new ADUs (conversion and new construction) built between 2020 and 2025. ~ SB13 Update
As of January 1st, 2020
Utility connections:
Local health officer approval where a private sewage disposal system is being used, if required. (State requirements)
Permit Fees
SB13 Update: As of January 1st, 2020, local impact fees for ADUs will be reduced substantially statewide.
Entry:
Must have direct outside access without going through the principal dwelling and entrance must be screened from a public street.
Allowed Zones:
*** Beginning in 2020, according to state law, all residential zoning districts, including single-family and multi-family, are allowed to build Accessory Dwelling Units. ***
As of January 1st, 2020
Residential Building Code:
The California Building Code (CBC) 2019 is adopted.
Cupertino
City Planning Offices
Permitting
Cupertino Planning & Zoning
10300 Torre Ave, Cupertino, CA 95014 Cupertino, CA 95014
TRY
Contact Shawn Sidhu about ADUs in Cupertino. Send a text message:
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ADU Example DesignsADU Model 450 sqft
W 30 ft L 15 ft
ADU Model 484 sqft
W 22 ft L 22 ft
How can I get my ADU built?
Use our ADU Services and Marketplace to get expert assistance, permit-ready ADU designs and on-site contractor estimates on one platform.
ADU Financing
Karyn Jones
Program Representative
Read Cupertino Housing Market Update
City Council loosens rules for accessory dwelling units
https://www.mercurynews.com/
2017-12-28
Cupertino homeowners invited to attend workshop on accessory dwelling units
http://cupertinotoday.com
2017-11-14
Cupertino in-law units see ease in regulation - The Mercury News
www.mercurynews.com
2016-10-31
ADU Guides
A recent customer review:
"Professional set of plans, fast turn-around. This is the best company out there for your ADU plans."
John in Vacaville, CA
Customer since November, 2018
Learn about ADU Services
Estimate ADU Potential
Financing
Costs / ROI
SELECT ADU SIZE & TYPE
APPRECIATION ESTIMATE
* upon completion of ADU
CONSTRUCTION COST ESTIMATE
* based on local average price per sqft
RENTAL ESTIMATE
* estimated by location
MORTGAGE ESTIMATE
* 30 years / 5% interest rate / 20% down payment
Appreciation Estimate = (Base Value: $) / (Home's Living Space: sqft) * (ADU's Living Space: sqft)
Rental Estimate = (Rent Per Sqft: $5.04) * (ADU's Living Space: sqft)
How can I get my ADU built?
Our ADU Services and ADU Marketplace provide the fastest and lowest cost way to get started with your ADU project.
How does it work? Get started on your project with expert assistance and without commitment using our customized ADU Property and Design Reports as your first step. Then, get on-site visits from local contractors who can provide you with guidance and estimates for your ADU project.
Our Key Advantages
Compare all the costs and services in one place to find the best fit for your needs and budget
Order ADU zoning research, permit-ready designs and contractor estimates on one platform
Get started on your timeline and your terms, without commitment
The fastest and lowest cost way to get started with your ADU project
Our ADU Process
USE ADU SERVICES
Expert Feasibility & Zoning Research
USE ADU SERVICES
Expert Feasibility & Zoning Research
Use our ADU Property & Design Reports as a starting point to plan your ADU project. Our experts will do the legwork with your city or county planning office and design custom ADU concepts for your property and your needs.
GET YOUR ADU DESIGN
Get Your ADU Design Permit-Ready
GET YOUR ADU DESIGN
Get Your ADU Design Permit-Ready
Getting your designs ready for city permitting and construction can speed up your ADU project and reduce unforseen costs later on in the process.
OPEN ADU MARKETPLACE
Find contractors to build your ADU
OPEN ADU MARKETPLACE
Find contractors to build your ADU
Use our local contractor database to get on-site visits and cost estimates to compare services for your ADU project.
Check your property to get zoning qualification & price quotes for ADU Services:
Access cost estimates, zoning analysis, design concepts and order ADU Services to get help with feasibility, design and permitting for your ADU project. Check your property to get started!
