San Jose requires no parking for an ADU and no replacement of covered parking removed for one. On the state-law single-family existing-space path, an accessory structure may add up to 150 sq ft only for ingress and egress.
Last verified 2026-10-18. Rules change; the City of San Jose ADU Ally team has the final word (408-793-5302).
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What the San Jose rules allow on your lot: setbacks, the biggest unit that fits, fees.
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San Jose's Bulletin 210 says an ADU design follows either the City standards in Municipal Code 20.80.175 or the State standards in 20.80.176. The two sets cannot be mixed.
San Jose ADU Universal Checklist (Bulletin 210), Part 3The City's FY 2026-27 Building Division schedule puts ADUs under New/Alteration and lists issuance, plan review and inspection amounts. The base building permit fee shown above is before taxes, so it is not a total fee estimate for a particular conversion.
San Jose FY 2026-27 Building Division Fee Schedule, p.3| Type | Est. all-in cost | Est. rent |
|---|---|---|
| Garage conversion | $268-$436 per sq ft of garage (about $107,000-$174,000 for a 400 sq ft garage) | $1,850-$2,650/mo |
Estimates for a first conversation, not bids or appraisals. Source: LotUpside price book sj-2026-10.
Ask the City of San Jose ADU Ally team before you rely on these.
Our free check reads your lot against the San Jose rules above from public records: a screening, not a permit or professional advice.
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Measured ADU layouts you can edit and download as CAD files, then check against the San Jose rules above.
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We'll match you with a licensed designer and builder in your area and coordinate the project. Free consult, no obligation.
Licensed partner designers and builders do the design and construction, and the builder holds the construction contract. Partners are signed in some areas so far; elsewhere we'll tell you plainly what we can do.
No. San Jose Municipal Code 20.80.175 I requires no parking for an ADU and no replacement of covered spaces removed for it. Government Code 66314(d)(11) also bars replacement parking for a garage or carport converted to an ADU.
Government Code 66314(d)(7) requires no new setback for an existing accessory structure converted to an ADU. San Jose's Bulletin 210 says a zero side or rear setback must still meet building and fire requirements.
Government Code 66314(e) says the demolition permit for a detached garage that will be replaced by an ADU is reviewed with the ADU application and issued at the same time. San Jose's Building Division Fee Schedule lists the ADU building permit charge separately.
Neither. It is a screening from public records, not professional advice, and not a survey, soils report, appraisal, loan offer or permit; every number is an estimate. A licensed designer confirms the final plan, and your city or county gives final approval.