What are the New ADU Construction Laws in Santa Barbara for 2025?

Santa Barbara is a beautiful place to live, but let’s be honest- it’s also one of the toughest when it comes to housing. With limited space and high demand, finding an affordable home isn’t easy. That’s why more homeowners are turning to accessory dwelling units (ADUs) – self-contained homes with living, cooking, and sanitation provisions added to residential properties.

According to county surveys (2024), ADUs command approximately $2,500 in monthly rent, compelling financial returns for Santa Barbara property owners.

But here’s the problem: Santa Barbara ADU rules have made it difficult for homeowners to build. Strict zoning laws, setback requirements, and long permit wait times have slowed things down. That’s why the new ADU laws in 2025 are set to change that, making the process faster and more flexible.

So, what’s changing in 2025?

Let’s understand!

Key ADU Law Updates in Santa Barbara (2025)

Undoubtedly, the 2025 Santa Barbara ADU law updates introduce several changes designed to simplify the approval process. Here are the major updates you must know:

Ab 2533: Legalizing Existing ADUs

Before 2025, homeowners with unpermitted ADUs or converted garages faced steep fines and legal issues. Many cities order legalization requests or charge high fees. AB 2533 changes this by allowing homeowners to get permits for ADUs built before January 1, 2020.

• Local authorities must approve permits if the unit meets health and safety standards.
• If no new utility connections are required, homeowners won’t face penalties, impact fees, or extra utility costs.
• Cities must give homeowners a checklist of required updates to bring the unit to code.

SB 1211: More ADUs for Multi-Family Properties

In the past, strict limits on ADUs made it harder for landlords to add rental units on multi-family properties. SB 1211 changes that by allowing more detached ADUs and easing parking rules.

• More Units Allowed – Multi-family properties can now have up to eight detached ADUs as long as the number of ADUs doesn’t exceed the existing unit count.
• No Parking Replacement Needed – If a landlord converts an open parking area into ADUs, they don’t have to replace the lost parking spaces.
• State Law Takes Priority – Local governments can’t impose extra restrictions beyond what the state allows.

SB 1077: Simplifying ADU Permits in Coastal Areas

Some strict zoning rules have made it difficult for homeowners to build ADUs in California’s coastal regions. So, SB 1077 mainly focuses on changing that by speeding up the approval process and reducing unnecessary prohibitions.

AB 1033 – Selling ADUs Separately from the Main Home

California previously prohibited homeowners from selling ADUs separately from their primary residence. But as of 2025, AB 1033 introduces more flexibility by allowing this option under certain conditions.

• Homeowners can now sell their ADUs from the main home.
• ADUs can be sold as condominiums but with the approval of the California Department of Real Estate.

What Do These Changes Mean for Homeowners?

Here are the several benefits you’ll get to experience while constructing your ADUs:

Things to Keep in Mind Before Building an ADU in Santa Barbara

The new laws are made to make the process easier, but there are still key factors to consider:

✔Permit Fees—The fee depends on the size and location, but you can expect to pay $5,000- $10,000 in permit costs.

✔Utility Connections – It might require new plumbing, sewer, and electrical connections.

✔Neighborhood Rules – Some HOAs give additional restrictions beyond city laws.

✔Construction Timeline – Expect the construction time to be 6-12 months, even with a faster permit process.

Final Thoughts

If you are looking to add rental units, increase the property value, or offer additional living space for family members, these new 2025 changes might give you the perfect opportunity to move forward. With the above-mentioned updates, building an ADU is now more accessible than ever.