ADUByCity
Verified March 14, 2026

ADU Regulations in Santa Ana, California

Orange County · CA · Pop. 310,000

Max ADU Size

1,200

sq ft detached

Rear Setback

4 ft

Permit Timeline

60 days

Build Cost

$120,000 – $260,000

Zoning

Allowed ADU Types

✓Detached ADU
✓Attached ADU
✓JADU (Junior ADU)
✓Garage Conversion
Max per lot: 2 ADUs✓ No owner-occupancy required

ADUs allowed on any residential lot; ministerial approval per state law

Source: City of Santa Ana — Accessory Dwelling Units · Santa Ana Municipal Code Section 41-196

Dimensions

Size & Setback Requirements

Detached

1,200

sq ft max

JADU

500

sq ft max

Attached

50% of primary home, max 1,200 sq ft

Setbacks

front

Same as primary dwelling

side

4 ft

rear

4 ft

Max height: 16 ft

Lot coverage: Per underlying zone

Many Santa Ana lots are smaller — garage conversions are often the most practical option

Permitting

Permit Process

Department

Santa Ana Planning & Building Agency

Review Timeline

60 days

Permit Fees

$5,500 – $12,000

Impact Fees

No impact fees for ADUs under 750 sq ft

Required Documents

  • ›Site plan
  • ›Floor plans
  • ›Elevations
  • ›Title 24 energy compliance
  • ›Structural drawings (new construction)

Santa Ana's high density makes garage conversions especially popular

Visit Santa Ana Planning & Building Agency →

Infrastructure

Utilities & Requirements

Solar

Required

Parking

Not required

Separate Meter

Optional

Fire Sprinklers

See note

Sewer: Connect to existing sewer lateral
Fire Sprinklers: Not required unless primary structure requires them
Parking: No additional parking required

Financials

ADU Costs in Santa Ana

Typical Build Cost

$120,000 – $260,000

Cost per Sq Ft

$190 – $260

Monthly Rental

$1,400 – $2,400/mo

Property Value Added

Adds $120,000 – $240,000 to property value

Available Grants & Programs

  • ★CalHFA ADU Grant Program
  • ★City of Santa Ana may have local housing programs — check with PBA

Garage conversions can be completed for $60,000–$110,000 in Santa Ana

Use the free ADU Cost Calculator →

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Disclaimer: Information is compiled from publicly available municipal codes for general informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal, zoning, or construction advice. Regulations change frequently. Always verify with your local planning department. Last verified: March 14, 2026. Verify with Santa Ana Planning & Building Agency

Explore More

Nearby Cities in Orange County

Anaheim

Max 1,200 sq ft · $140,000 – $300,000

Irvine

Max 1,200 sq ft · $160,000 – $340,000

Huntington Beach

Max 1,200 sq ft · $175,000 – $380,000

Garden Grove

Max 1,200 sq ft · $160,000 – $330,000

Fullerton

Max 1,200 sq ft · $160,000 – $330,000

Orange

Max 1,200 sq ft · $165,000 – $340,000

Santa Ana Quick Facts

  • Max size1,200 sq ft
  • Rear setback4 ft
  • Permit timeline60 days
  • Build cost$120,000 – $260,000
  • Rental income$1,400 – $2,400/mo
  • Owner occupancyNot required

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Official Source

City of Santa Ana — Accessory Dwelling Units

Santa Ana Municipal Code Section 41-196

Last verified: March 14, 2026

Free Tools

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ADU rules change often.

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