San Carlos Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Standards
New laws were recently passed, and updates will be coming soon
INFORMATION | |
Contact |
Brittany Whitehill, Planning Technician 650-802-4208 – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. |
Website |
www.cityofsancarlos.org |
ADU Ordinance |
n/a |
STANDARDS | |
Zones allowed |
RS-3, RS-6, RM-20 and RM-59 |
Lot restrictions |
RS-3 maximum lot coverage is 25-35%. |
Minimum lot size |
None |
Min / Max ADU size |
State law provisions apply as follows:
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ADU building height |
Attached to main residence: 28 feet Above detached garage: 28 feet All other: 12-15 feet |
Setbacks |
Above garage: 5 feet sides and rear |
Parking requirements |
One space is required unless state exemptions are met (ADU is within 1⁄2 mile of transit, in existing structures, in historic districts, within one block of car share locations, or in an area with residential parking permit rules that do not allow second units to get a permit). Parking in setbacks is allowed, and tandem parking is allowed if it does not encumber access to the required parking for the single-family dwelling. All other ADUs may be granted a parking waiver, subject to public hearing.
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Owner occupancy |
Owner must live in the main dwelling or the ADU |
Sample fees from recently built projects* |
ADU (500 sf, garage conversion): $3,000 |
Other requirements |
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Process |
Applicants may submit to the Building Division for building permits. Once received by Building, plans are routed to planning for review and informal approval. Applicants are encouraged to meet with Planning before submitting plans to Building.
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Exceptions |
Waivers may be granted for some of the ADU development standards, but are subject to public hearing. The Director may grant a waiver to the 400 foot separation requirement if he finds that there are no substantial parking, privacy, noise, health and safety or visual impacts to neighbors associated with the location and siting of the detached second dwelling unit.
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*Fees are specific to each project and will vary. Fees change regularly. These are provided as examples only.
Download ADU Standards PDF
Updated: 12/11/2017