Local ADU Rules

San Bruno

Last Updated August 26, 2026

ADU Contact:

Community Development Department, (650) 616-7074
For permitting procedure questions, reach out to building@sanbruno.ca.gov

For development standards, reach out to planning@sanbruno.ca.gov

Standards
Details
Zones allowed

ADUs are permitted in any district where residential uses are permitted

Lot Restrictions

Floor area ratio (FAR), lot coverage for underlying zone

Minimum Lot Size

0

Min/Max ADU Size

Min: 150 sf – size required by Health Code, section 17958.1
Max one bedroom or less: 850 square feet
Max one bedroom or more (Lots less than 7,500 SF): 1,000 SF
Max two+ bedrooms ( Lots greater than 7500 square feet): . 1,200 square feet
Max JADU: 500 square feet
*50% of main home floor area, unless under 800 square feet (state law allows an ADU up to 800 square feet on every property, some exceptions

ADU Building Height
  • Detached ADU on a single-family lot or single-story multifamily lot: 16 feet (+2 feet allowed for roof-pitch alignment)
  • Multi-story multifamily, or any lot within ½ mile of a major transit stop/high-quality transit corridor: 18 feet (+2 feet allowed for roof-pitch alignment)
  • Attached ADUs: follow the primary dwelling’s height limit, max 2 stories
  • ADUs over a legally established detached garage: up to 25 feet
Setbacks

Rear and side: 4 feet

Parking Requirements

JADUs: No parking required
ADUs: One spot may be required (tandem allowed). No parking required if ADU is:

  • within ½ mile walking distance from public transit
  • part of the existing/proposed primary residence, multifamily structure, or an existing accessory structure
  • state-exempt ADU (falls under a Government Code §66323 category)
  • in a historic district, or one block from a car-share vehicle

On-street parking permits are required but not offered to ADU occupant

Owner Occupancy

JADU: Required, ADU: not required for ADUs built recently (2020-2024)

Sample fees from recent permits

ADU 1(426 sf, internal conversion): $2,825
ADU 2 (562 sf, detached): $4,456

No impact fees for ADUs/JADUs 

Other requirements

Only one ADU per property is allowed for single family lots.

No drainage or topographic maps required.

ADUs must comply with all requirements of the underlying zoning district.

No short term rentals.

Aircraft Noise Insulation requirement: ADUs in 65+ CNEL zones near SFO must meet Aircraft Noise Insulation Program standards.

Process

Apply for a building permit. Deed restriction required prior to issuing building permit. Making an appointment to meet with a planner in the initial stages of the project can help avoid challenges and is highly recommended.

Exceptions

ADUs under 800 square feet are exempt from FAR, impervious surface, lot size, and lot coverage requirements.

Wondering what you can build?

Make sure you check out our Learning the Rules page for more step-by-step details