The Complete Saratoga ADU Requirements Guide
If you’re considering an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) in Saratoga, it’s important to understand the local regulations. Saratoga generally follows California’s statewide ADU standards, with a few city-specific rules to keep in mind.
An ADU is a self-contained living space that shares a lot with a primary home. It can be attached, detached, or created by converting existing space.
Read on to learn everything you need to know about the requirements for building an ADU in Saratoga and how Samara can help you get it done.
Saratoga ADU regulations at a glance
Saratoga offers a streamlined ADU permitting process. The city will provide initial feedback on an ADU permit submission within 15 days, and most projects with complete applications are approved within the state-mandated 60-day window. In practice, the full permitting process—including plan review and revisions—typically takes three to four months.
Saratoga generally follows California’s ADU laws but includes a few local rules on height, setbacks, and design that may affect your plans.
Size and lot requirements
Size, height, and placement requirements vary by the type of ADU:
- Detached ADUs can be up to 1,200 square feet. Height is capped at 16 feet by default, or 18 feet if the property is within a half mile of public transit or on a multi-family lot. An additional two feet may be allowed to match the primary home’s roof pitch.
- Attached ADUs can be up to 1,200 square feet, or 50 percent of the main home’s living area, whichever is less. They can be as tall as the primary home, up to a maximum of 25 feet.
- Junior ADUs (JADUs) must be located within the walls of the existing or proposed home and are limited to 500 square feet.
Most ADUs must be set back at least four feet from the rear and side property lines. If your ADU replaces a structure that was demolished, and is built in the same footprint and dimensions, setbacks of less than four feet may be allowed.
Saratoga also permits ADUs under 800 square feet to be built in the front setback if no other compliant location exists.
Meet the KurodasDesign requirements
New ADUs in Saratoga must match the primary residence in color, materials, and architectural style. This includes consistent finishes, roof form, and exterior details.
If your ADU is taller than 18 feet, adds a second story, or causes the total floor area on the lot to exceed 6,000 square feet, a design review application will be required before permits can be issued.
Parking requirements
Detached ADUs in Saratoga generally require one uncovered off-street parking space. This requirement is waived if the ADU is located within a half mile of public transit, is part of the existing home or an accessory structure, or is a Junior ADU (JADU).
If an existing garage or parking space is removed or converted to create the ADU, it does not need to be replaced.
Zoning eligibility
ADUs are allowed on any property in Saratoga that is zoned for single-family or multi-family use, as long as there is an existing or proposed primary residence on the lot.
You could keep reading about ADUs.
Or step inside one.
Find a showroom
Number of ADUs allowed
Single-family lots in Saratoga can have one ADU—either detached, attached, or a conversion—and one Junior ADU (JADU), as long as a primary residence exists or is under construction.
Multi-family lots with an existing building can have:
- Up to 8 detached ADUs, as long as the number doesn’t exceed the total number of existing units
- At least one interior ADU created from non-livable space like storage rooms or boiler rooms, with more allowed—up to one for every four existing units
These standards reflect current California state law and apply even if local guidance has not yet been updated.
Streamline your Saratoga ADU
If you’re looking to build an ADU, Samara makes it easy. We handle everything from permits to installation and even offer our own financing. Call us at 650-420-2607 to schedule a 15-minute consultation and discover how simple adding a Backyard ADU can be.
Sources:
With five prefab models, Samara has an ADU for every yard.
Explore the lineup
You’ve subscribed to Samara updates.