Can I Build an ADU in Capitola?

Yes — by right

ADUs and JADUs are allowed by right in all residential and mixed-use zones; ministerial approval, no hearing.

1 ADU + 1 JADU

At least one ADU and one JADU per single-family lot (a conversion ADU may also be possible).

Conversion ADUs (≥1, up to 25% of units) + up to 8 detached

Conversions of non-livable space (at least 1, or up to 25% of existing units) plus up to 8 detached ADUs on a lot with existing multifamily — never exceeding the number of existing units. JADUs are single-family only.

Allowed

Up to 500 sq ft, within the walls of an existing single-family home (single-family lots only).

1,200 sq ft

A detached ADU built to Capitola's full development standards (§ 17.74.060) may reach 1,200 sq ft; the by-right 'limited standards' track guarantees 800 sq ft (§ 17.74.050(B)(2)). 800 sq ft is the state-protected floor, not Capitola's cap.

50% of the primary dwelling, but ≥850 sq ft (≥1,000 sq ft for 2+ bedrooms) is always allowed

800 sq ft

An 800 sq ft ADU must be allowed regardless of FAR/lot-coverage caps; a city also cannot cap an attached ADU below 850 sq ft (1,000 for 2+ bedrooms).

500 sq ft

16 ft

16 ft baseline; cities must allow 18 ft within ½ mi of a major transit stop or where the primary dwelling is two-story, and 20 ft on a lot with a multistory multifamily building.

4 ft

A city cannot require more than 4 ft side or rear setback; conversions of existing structures are exempt.

4 ft

No front setback may block the mandatory 800 sq ft / 16-ft / 4-ft-setback ADU; otherwise per base zone

None required

No statewide separation requirement between the ADU and the primary dwelling.

Up to 1 space

Up to one off-street space (§ 17.74.080(C)(2)(b)), subject to the state transit/conversion/historic exemptions. In the Coastal Zone, Capitola additionally waives the ADU space where the primary residence already has four or more existing off-street spaces (§ 17.74.080(C)(3)(b)).

Yes — no parking required near transit & for conversions

No parking may be required within ½ mi walking distance of transit, in a historic district, for an ADU within an existing structure, within one block of car-share, or in certain permit-parking areas.

Not required

When a garage/carport is demolished or converted to build an ADU, replacement parking cannot be required.

Ministerial (by right)

ADUs are approved ministerially via an administrative permit with no hearing (§ 17.74.030(A)). In the Coastal Zone a coastal development permit may be required (§ 17.74.030(E)), but a CDP waiver is available for conforming units and no public hearing is required for the ADU CDP.

60 days

The agency must act within 60 days of a complete application — and the ADU is deemed approved if it does not.

Only for a JADU

No owner-occupancy requirement for ADUs (the prior sunset was removed). A JADU may require owner-occupancy, principally where it shares sanitation with the main house.

Waived under 750 sq ft

An ADU of 750 sq ft or less pays no impact fees (the 750 sq ft threshold itself is exempt under § 66311.5); larger ADUs pay fees proportional to the primary dwelling. JADUs (≤ 500 sq ft) are exempt.

Building permit

Only a ministerial building permit — no conditional use permit or discretionary design review for a qualifying ADU.