ADU Builders in San Jose
Valley Home Builders specializes in planning and building ADUs in San Jose. Accessory Dwelling Units are detached or attached independent dwellings. They make ideal sites for guests, in-laws, parents or a home office.
ADUs are very popular in San Jose because they add value to your home and provide added space and privacy. They can also be a space for you to create your next startup. Valley Home Builders has helped many homeowners in the area plan and execute ADUs. Our imaginative designs and exceptional service ensure a smooth build.
As the tenth-largest city in the country, San Jose has a densely packed population. This means home builders in San Jose often look for creative solutions to offer additional space to homeowners. ADUs are one creative solution for adding more space to an existing property.
ADU Zoning and Regulations in San Jose
Are you considering adding an accessory dwelling unit to your San Jose home? There are a few ordinances to keep in mind. San Jose applies the state of California’s ADU zoning ordinances within an ADU checklist that covers the following details.
Number of Units
A single-family property may include one ADU and one junior accessory dwelling unit (JADU). A lot may feature one of each or both at once.
Types of ADUs
San Jose allows attached and detached ADUs and JADUs.
Building Size
San Jose uses the state’s size limitations for ADUs and JADUs.
A detached ADU on a single-family lot with a primary residence under 9,000 square feet may reach 1,000 square feet. An attached ADU may measure 800 square feet or, without exceeding 1,000 feet, 50% of the primary residence’s floor space.
For homes over 9,000 square feet, a detached ADU may reach 1,200 square feet. An attached unit may be 800 square feet or 50% of the primary residence’s floor space up to 1,200 square feet.
If there is an existing JADU on the lot or one is proposed alongside another ADU or JADU, the new addition must stay under:
- 500 square feet for JADUs
- 800 square feet for detached ADUs
- 800 square feet for attached ADUs
However, an attached ADU must be less than 50% of the primary dwelling area’s floor space.
Building Height
An attached ADU must follow the primary dwelling’s limitations. Detached ADUs must follow these height restrictions:
- One story: 18 feet
- Two stories: 24 feet
- A JADU is on the property: 16 feet
Setbacks
Setback is the distance from the nearest property line. Single-family ADUs and JADUs must meet the following setback distance:
- Side and rear setback for first-story attached ADU under 20 feet high: 4 feet
- Side and rear setback for second-story attached ADU: 15 feet
- Front property setback for detached ADU: 45 feet
- Side and rear setback for a ground floor detached ADU: 3 feet
- Side and rear setback for a second-story detached ADU: 4 feet
- Side and rear setback for a detached ADU covering more than 40% of the rear yard: 4 feet
Parking
An ADU must include parking space unless it qualifies for exemption.
Owner Occupancy
San Jose requires owner occupancy of the main home.
Disclaimer
ADU zoning laws are subject to change with new legislation. We update our website to reflect current ordinances. If you have any questions, please contact us online to discuss your property.
Contact Us
View Our Different Platforms: