What permits do I need to build an ADU in Santa Ana?

Hello and thank you for reaching out to the community for guidance on building your ADU in Santa Ana. It’s great to hear that you’re considering this project, as ADUs can provide excellent solutions for additional family space or even rental income. Let’s dive into your questions and provide you with a roadmap to get started.

### 1. Required Permits

In Santa Ana, you will need several permits to ensure your ADU project is compliant with local regulations. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:

- **Building Permit**: This is mandatory for any new construction and includes structural, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical approvals.
- **Planning/Zoning Permit**: This ensures that your ADU complies with local zoning laws, including size, height, and design standards.
- **Grading Permit**: If your project involves significant land alteration, you may need this permit.
- **Utility Connection Permit**: Necessary if you are connecting new utilities or moving existing ones.

**Tip**: Santa Ana has streamlined the ADU permit process in response to California’s state laws like AB-68 and SB-9, aiming to facilitate the development of more ADUs. It’s always best to start by contacting the Santa Ana Planning and Building Agency to get the most current forms and instructions.

### 2. Setback Requirements

For a lot size of 7,500 sq. ft., you’ll need to be mindful of specific setback requirements:

- **Rear Setback**: Typically around 4 feet from the rear property line.
- **Side Setback**: Also generally about 4 feet from the side property lines.

Santa Ana may have additional specific requirements, particularly if your property is in a designated historic district or has unique zoning overlays. Always verify with the city’s zoning department to be sure.

### 3. Timeline for Construction

The permitting process can affect your construction timeline significantly. Here’s a realistic breakdown:

- **Pre-Application Research**: 1-2 weeks to gather information and consult with the city.
- **Permit Application Submission**: Allow 4-8 weeks for processing. The city aims to expedite ADU permits, but complexities in design or location can extend this period.
- **Construction**: Generally, construction can take 3-6 months depending on the size and complexity of your ADU.

**Tip**: Planning your application submission well in advance of your family visits is crucial. Consider submitting your permit application at least 6 months before the desired completion date to accommodate any unforeseen delays.

### 4. Fees and Costs

Here are some costs you might encounter:

- **Permit Fees**: These can range from $2,000 to $5,000 depending on the scope of work.
- **Impact Fees**: Recently, many California cities, including Santa Ana, have reduced or waived impact fees for ADUs under 750 sq. ft., but fees may apply for larger units.
- **Plan Check Fees**: Usually a few hundred dollars, depending on complexity.

**Budgeting Tip**: Include a contingency of 10-15% of your project budget for unexpected costs or modifications.

### Additional Advice

- **Professional Consultation**: Consider hiring an architect or a designer familiar with Santa Ana regulations. They can help streamline the design and approval process.
- **Engage Local Contractors**: Experienced local contractors often have valuable insights into the permitting process and established relationships with city officials, which can help with smoother navigation through the system.

### Next Steps

1. **Contact Santa Ana Planning and Building Agency**: Schedule a pre-application meeting to discuss your project specifics.
2. **Consult Professionals**: Engage with architects or ADU specialists for design and compliance advice.
3. **Prepare Your Application**: Gather all necessary documents and plans as per city guidelines.
4. **Submit and Monitor**: Submit your application and actively follow up with the city to address any queries promptly.

By approaching your ADU project methodically and understanding the local policies, you can avoid common pitfalls and ensure a smoother path to completion. Good luck with your ADU, and feel free to reach out if you have further questions!