Where can I find Santa Ana’s official ADU and JADU rules?

Santa Ana publishes official Accessory Dwelling Unit information, ADU and JADU development standards, and an updated ADU handout through the city’s Planning Division website.

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Santa Ana Homes with ADU, Casita & Guest House

This page is your focused guide to Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in Santa Ana, CA—including ADU and Junior ADU (JADU) standards, pre-approved ADU plans, and live MLS listings for homes with guest-house-style layouts and multi-gen potential.

As a dense, job-rich urban center, Santa Ana is actively encouraging ADUs and JADUs, allowing them on most residential lots and providing formal ADU/JADU standards plus a Pre-Approved ADU Plans Program to streamline design and permits for owners.

Fun Fact: Santa Ana allows up to one ADU and one JADU on a single-family lot, and multiple detached + conversion ADUs on qualifying multifamily properties, making it one of the more ADU-forward cities in Orange County.

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⭐ Local ADU Expertise — Kenji Inui (Broker): Kenji helps Santa Ana homeowners and investors evaluate urban ADU feasibility on smaller city lots, including:

How to use pre-approved ADU plans to speed up permitting
Single-family vs. multifamily ADU capacity (up to 1 ADU + 1 JADU for SFR, plus multiple ADUs on multifamily)
Driveway, alley and parking considerations for tight parcels
Attic/garage conversions vs. detached backyard ADUs
Coordinating rental strategy and financing around Santa Ana’s demand patterns

Why ADUs Work So Well in Santa Ana’s Urban Neighborhoods

Strong local rental demand for smaller units. Santa Ana’s job base and central OC location support year-round demand for studio and one-bedroom rentals, including ADUs and JADUs.
Up to one ADU and one JADU on single-family lots. Santa Ana’s standards follow state law to allow both an ADU and a JADU on single-family properties when zoning and building codes are met.
Multifamily properties can add multiple ADUs. Qualifying multifamily buildings may add up to eight detached ADUs (not exceeding the number of primary units) plus interior conversions of up to 25% of existing units.
Pre-approved ADU plans help owners move faster. Santa Ana’s Pre-Approved ADU Plans Program provides plan sets designed to reduce pre-construction design time and accelerate permitting.
Clear ADU/JADU standards published by the City. The City offers a detailed ADU information page and an updated ADU/JADU standards handout so owners can verify what is allowed on their lot before investing.

Santa Ana ADU, Casita & Guest House Listings

Live MLS feed — focused on homes with guest-house, casita or ADU-style amenities:

New Santa Ana ADU-capable listings appear frequently as the market updates—bookmark this page if you’re hunting for rental or multi-gen setups.

Where Is Santa Ana, CA?

Santa Ana is the county seat of Orange County, located just inland from Costa Mesa and Fountain Valley, with quick access to the 5, 55 and 22 freeways and major job centers.

Santa Ana ADU & Financing Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How many ADUs can I build on a single-family lot in Santa Ana?

A: In most cases, a single-family lot in Santa Ana may add up to one ADU and one JADU, subject to the City’s ADU/JADU development standards and building code.

Q: How many ADUs are allowed on multifamily properties?

A: Santa Ana generally allows up to eight detached ADUs on qualifying multifamily properties (not exceeding the number of primary units), plus interior conversions of up to 25% of the existing units from non-habitable space.

Q: Is owner-occupancy required for ADUs in Santa Ana?

A: No. Under statewide law (AB 976), cities like Santa Ana are not allowed to enforce owner-occupancy requirements for ADUs, which provides more flexibility for investors and owners using long-term rentals.

Q: Where can I find Santa Ana’s official ADU rules and handouts?

A: The City maintains an ADU information page, ADU/JADU development standards, and an updated ADU handout available through the Planning Division.

ADU Planning & Strategy with Solve Lending & Realty

Solve Lending & Realty helps Santa Ana owners review lot-specific ADU capacity, rental projections and financing options before they invest in plans or construction. We combine local real estate knowledge with in-house lending strategy under one roof.

Orange County ADU Specialist: Kenji Inui leads ADU-focused planning for Santa Ana.

How to Finance an ADU or Second Unit in Santa Ana

Watch this quick breakdown on cash-out refinances, second mortgages and purchase strategies for ADU-focused buyers and homeowners.

ADU Financing Built for Santa Ana

Use your existing equity or structure a purchase loan that anticipates an ADU or JADU addition. Our team matches Santa Ana homeowners with loan options that fit local ADU returns.

Cash-Out to Build ADU Purchase Loans Second Mortgages