ADU Regulations in Santa Maria, California
Santa Barbara County · CA · Pop. 105,000
Max ADU Size
1,200
sq ft detached
Rear Setback
4 ft
Permit Timeline
60 days
Build Cost
$135,000 – $275,000
Zoning
Allowed ADU Types
State law preempts local owner-occupancy requirements. One ADU plus one JADU permitted per single-family lot. Multifamily lots may allow additional detached ADUs per state law.
Source: City of Santa Maria — Accessory Dwelling Units · Santa Maria Municipal Code Title 12 (Zoning)
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
Existing non-conforming structures converted to ADUs may be entitled to 4 ft side/rear setbacks per state law. No setback required for ADUs built within the footprint of a legally established structure.
Permitting
Permit Process
Department
City of Santa Maria Community Development Department — Planning Division
Review Timeline
60 days
Permit Fees
$5,000 – $10,000
Impact Fees
Impact fees waived for ADUs under 750 sq ft per state law
Required Documents
- ›Site plan
- ›Floor plans
- ›Elevations
- ›Title 24 energy compliance
- ›Structural drawings
- ›Grading and drainage plan (if applicable)
Santa Maria follows streamlined ministerial ADU approval per AB 2221 and SB 897. Pre-application consultations are available through the Planning Division. Agricultural zone adjacency may trigger additional review for properties near active farmland.
Visit City of Santa Maria Community Development Department — Planning Division →Infrastructure
Utilities & Requirements
Solar
Required
Parking
Not required
Separate Meter
Optional
Fire Sprinklers
See note
Financials
ADU Costs in Santa Maria
Typical Build Cost
$135,000 – $275,000
Cost per Sq Ft
$190 – $255
Monthly Rental
$1,200 – $2,000/mo/mo
Property Value Added
Adds $140,000 – $260,000 to property value
Available Grants & Programs
- ★CalHFA ADU Grant Program available
- ★Santa Barbara County Housing Trust Fund loans (income-qualified)
Central Coast construction costs are moderate compared to Bay Area. Vandenberg Space Force Base military tenants provide stable, consistent rental demand. Agricultural economy and UC Santa Barbara proximity generate additional renter pool.
Use the free ADU Cost Calculator →Free Service
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Santa Maria Quick Facts
- Max size1,200 sq ft
- Rear setback4 ft
- Permit timeline60 days
- Build cost$135,000 – $275,000
- Rental income$1,200 – $2,000/mo/mo
- Owner occupancyNot required
Official Source
City of Santa Maria — Accessory Dwelling UnitsSanta Maria Municipal Code Title 12 (Zoning)
Last verified: March 14, 2026
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