Sunnyvale, CA ADU Regulations -

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Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) City Regulations for

Sunnyvale, CA

Sunnyvale is a city located in Santa Clara County, California. If visiting the area be sure to check out Sunnyvale’s local farmers market located on Murphy Avenue or spend a day at Baylands Park.

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:

1. Is located within one-half mile of major transit stop.

2. Is located within a designated historic district.

3. Is part of existing main dwelling or existing residential accessory structure intended for human habitation.

4. When on-street parking permits required but not offered to the occupant of ADU.

5. Has car share vehicle located within one block of ADU.

6. 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.