Santa Clarita Zoning & ADU Regulations That Homeowners Must Know
Building an ADU in Santa Clarita can be a smart way to add flexible living space, generate rental income, or plan for multigenerational housing—but only if the project is designed around Santa Clarita’s local standards and California’s baseline ADU laws. Below is a clear, homeowner-friendly summary of the rules that most often drive feasibility and permit timing.
Zoning Eligibility and Allowed Units
Santa Clarita’s published guidance states that up to one ADU is permitted per single-family residential property, and a JADU may also be permitted on a single-family lot if specific requirements are met. Multifamily properties follow a different set of standards referenced in the City’s code.
Maximum ADU Sizes & Height Limitations
ADU size and form depend on how you build (new construction vs. conversion) and what the property can support. Santa Clarita’s handout notes a JADU is 500 sq. ft. and must be within the existing primary structure. It also notes a height condition tied to transit proximity (commonly relevant for design feasibility on tighter sites).
Setback & Yard Specifications
Setbacks vary based on whether you’re building new or converting an existing permitted structure. As a baseline, California law commonly uses 4-foot side and rear setbacks for many new-construction ADUs, while conversions are often treated differently. Treat setbacks as a “verify early” item with your specific parcel layout.
Parking Waivers and Requirements
Santa Clarita’s guidance states one parking space is required for an ADU unless an exemption applies—such as being within one-half mile walking distance of public transit or being fully within the primary structure (among other conditions). JADUs do not require additional parking, but replacing a garage with a JADU can trigger replacement parking requirements.
Permit Timelines & Reviews
Like other California jurisdictions, Santa Clarita’s ADU reviews are influenced by the state’s “complete application” standard—meaning the cleanest way to protect your schedule is a plan set that resolves zoning questions, utilities, and site constraints before you submit.
Special Conditions - Rentals, Deed Restrictions, and JADU Rules
Santa Clarita’s handout notes three rules that homeowners often miss:
An ADU cannot be rented for less than 30 days.
A JADU must be deed-restricted and generally requires owner-occupancy in either the JADU or the primary home.
An ADU may be rented separately from the main residence, but it may not be sold separately.
Food For Thought
In Santa Clarita, transit proximity can impact design constraints—Santa Clarita’s handout specifically calls out a height condition tied to being within ½ mile of a transit stop. This is a detail that can affect roofline and overall massing decisions early in design.
Why These Rules Are Vital
Santa Clarita ADU projects often come down to a few make-or-break details: whether you’re doing a conversion or new build, how you’ll handle parking, and whether you’re building an ADU or a JADU (which carries different occupancy and deed restriction requirements). Getting those right at the start reduces redesign risk and prevents avoidable plan check friction.
To explore permit-ready prefab ADUs designed for local compliance, visit our ADU models page.
FAQs
Can I build both an ADU and a JADU in Santa Clarita?
Santa Clarita’s handout indicates a single-family property can have one ADU, and a JADU may also be permitted if requirements are met.
Do I always need to add parking?
Not always. The City describes exemptions, including being within ½ mile of public transit or having the ADU entirely within the primary structure.
Can I do short-term rentals in my ADU?
Santa Clarita’s handout states an ADU cannot be rented out for less than 30 days.
Does a JADU require owner occupancy?
Santa Clarita’s handout states JADUs must be deed-restricted and require owner-occupancy in either the JADU or the primary home.