Saratoga / Accessory dwelling units
ADU Builder in Saratoga
Saratoga publishes ADU counts, size, and setbacks on its Accessory Dwelling Units page, including SMC section 15-56.020. R&B Master Construction Inc. (CSLB #1158657) discusses Saratoga lots from the Cupertino office at 10080 N Wolfe Road, Suite SW3-200. Call (650) 562-6324.
How many units the City page allows
Saratoga’s ADU page states that on a lot with an existing or concurrently approved single-family dwelling, one attached ADU, two attached JADUs, and one detached ADU may be allowed. The citation on that page is SMC section 15-56.020. Multi-family lots have separate caps. The combination for a parcel still has to be confirmed with Planning before design.
The same page says there is no owner-occupancy requirement for ADUs. For a junior ADU, the owner must live in the remaining portion of the structure or in the newly created JADU. ADUs may be rented, and they may not be short-term rentals under 30 days. Planning can be reached at planning@saratoga.ca.us or (408) 868-1222.
Size, setbacks, impact fees, and the building permit
City materials list a maximum living area of 1,200 square feet for ADUs. Floor-area and site-coverage limits shall not preclude an ADU of 800 square feet or less that meets setbacks. Detached ADUs need at least 4-foot rear and side setbacks and may be in the front setback if under 800 square feet. Height rules differ inside versus outside the required setbacks. Use the table on the City page.
Saratoga’s published standards say accessory dwelling units up to 750 square feet are exempt from impact fees, and larger ADUs may be charged impact fees only proportional by square foot to the primary dwelling. That is a City fee rule, not a construction price. The permitting steps are a building-permit application to the Building Department at building@saratoga.ca.us, then inspections through the online portal. Occupancy follows the final inspection.
ADU Builder in Saratoga — FAQ
How many ADUs or JADUs can I build in Saratoga?
Saratoga’s ADU page states that on a lot with an existing or concurrently approved single-family dwelling, one attached ADU, two attached JADUs, and one detached ADU may be allowed (see SMC §15-56.020). Multi-family lots have separate caps. Confirm the exact combination for your parcel with Planning before design. R&B Master Construction Inc. can review feasibility — info@rbmasterconstruction.com or (650) 562-6324.
What size and setbacks apply to Saratoga ADUs?
City materials list a maximum living area of 1,200 square feet for ADUs, with additional notes that maximum floor-area and site-coverage limits shall not preclude an ADU of 800 square feet or less that meets setbacks. Detached ADUs need at least 4-foot rear and side setbacks and may be in the front setback if under 800 square feet. Height rules differ inside versus outside required setbacks — verify the City table.
Is owner-occupancy required for a Saratoga ADU or JADU?
Saratoga’s FAQ states there is no owner-occupancy requirement for ADUs. For Junior ADUs, the owner of the lot must live in the remaining portion of the structure or in the newly created JADU. ADUs may be rented but not as short-term rentals under 30 days. Confirm current SMC text with Planning at planning@saratoga.ca.us or (408) 868-1222.
Are Saratoga ADUs under 750 square feet exempt from impact fees?
Yes — Saratoga’s published standards state accessory dwelling units up to 750 square feet are exempt from impact fees, and larger ADUs may be charged impact fees only proportional by square foot to the primary dwelling. This is a fee rule, not a construction-cost quote. Always verify current fee schedules with the City before budgeting.
What is the Saratoga ADU permitting process?
Review development standards, then submit a building-permit application to the Building Department (building@saratoga.ca.us) with plans that meet planning requirements. After issuance, schedule inspections through the online portal; occupancy follows final inspection. When permitting is in R&B’s scope, we assemble drawings and City responses — CSLB #1158657, info@rbmasterconstruction.com.
Official sources
City rules change. The links below are the pages and documents these notes were checked against. Your address can still differ.
Talk with R&B
R&B Master Construction Inc. · CSLB #1158657. Email info@rbmasterconstruction.com. Headquarters: 84 W Santa Clara St, Suite 700, San Jose, CA 95113. Hours: Monday–Sunday, Open 24 hours Pacific Time.