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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.
ADU Specifications By City
- 2019 Rise Builders
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