As much as adding an accessory dwelling unit is an effective solution to increase your living space, understanding the Sunnyvale ADU rules is important.
An ADU is a secondary residential unit built on your property as a detached or attached dwelling space. Depending on your needs, they range from rental cottages for short stays to multi-level detached units with separate amenities and access points.
At Done Right Home Remodeling, we are professional ADU builders ready to help you establish an ADU housing plan, from understanding local Sunnyvale ADU rules and building codes, obtaining the necessary permits, and overseeing city inspections to tracking its success.
Because ADUs are multi-generational housing with extra privacy, they come in different types, including:
If your property in Sunnyvale has any of the following zoning codes, it is qualified for ADUs, whether it is zoned for single-family or multi-family use:
The city of Sunnyvale ADU rules also state that if your property is in the RM zone, it is not possible to construct a junior accessory dwelling unit. However, in certain cases where the transit priority is overlaid, it is possible to construct a detached accessory dwelling unit.
The maximum number of ADUs allowed depends on the type of property. For single-family homes, one or two ADUs are generally allowed.
However, for multi-family properties, the number of ADUs permitted varies depending on the type of ADU constructed and the number of existing dwelling units on the property.
According to Sunnyvale ADU rules, the minimum size allowed is 150 square feet, while the maximum size depends on the type of ADU. A JADU can be up to 500 square feet, a one-bedroom ADU can be up to 850 square feet, and a 2+ bedroom ADU can be up to 1,000 square feet.
The attached ADUs cannot exceed 50% of the existing home’s floor area.
The maximum height allowed for a detached ADU is 16 feet. For attached ADUs, the maximum height is the same as the height of the main structure as long as they meet municipal code requirements, such as the daylight plane.
Attached and detached ADUs must be built at least 4 feet from the side and rear property lines. Conversion ADUs and junior ADUs, on the other hand, must be set back at an adequate distance to ensure fire safety.
ADUs do not require additional parking, even if you are converting a garage or carport. Replacement parking is not necessary.
However, if you choose to add parking, covered parking provided for the ADU will be included in the property’s total floor area. Still, it will not be included in determining the maximum allowable size of the ADU.
As professional ADU Builders, we will help obtain all the necessary permits for your ADU construction in Sunnyvale.
The eligibility of your property is determined by its zoning designation, which will dictate the type of ADU allowed on it. Zoning designations allowing Sunnyvale ADUs include R-1, R-2, R-E, R-M, RMD, OS, and PC.
Our team will prepare and submit your ADU plans, including site plans, floor plans, parking plans and any other necessary documentation to illustrate your ADU’s compliance with the local zoning code, building code, and all applicable regulations.
In conclusion, these Sunnyvale ADU construction rules offer you significant investment opportunities to mitigate the housing crisis in California.
