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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: R1, R2, R3, R4, and mixed-use districts CBD, TOD-S, TOD-1, TOD-2, MX-R. |
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 |
ADU Building Height | single story: 18 feet, |
Setbacks | Rear and side: 4 feet |
Parking Requirements | JADUs: No parking required 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 Based on the City’s 2022-2023 Master Fee Schedule, all ADUs over 750 square feet would be subject to the same Development Impact Fees of a single-family home, as required in San Bruno Municipal Code section 12.90.080. However, the City’s new fee schedule for 2023-2024 was adopted as of July 1st, 2023, meaning many of our fees have changed. Among these revisions, the Development Impact Fees included the following language: “An Accessory Dwelling Unit shall be subject to 50% of the fee for a Multi-Family Residential Dwelling Unit”. Because of this inconsistency between our zoning ordinance and our fee schedule, the Community Development Department has elected to not charge any Development Impact Fees on ADUs (regardless of size) We expect the language to be changed with the new fiscal year approaching. Next adoption Master Fee Schedule would occur on or before July 1st, 2024. *No impact fees for ADUs less than 750 square feet |
Other requirements | Only one ADU per property is allowed. No drainage or topographic maps required ADUs must comply with all requirements of the underlying zoning district. No short term rentals |
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. |
Created by Community Planning Collaborative
