Can you build a house in Shelter Cove?

In Shelter Cove, many local homeowners are looking to make the most of their unused space by adding a backyard home or other type of additional dwelling unit. Many properties in Shelter Cove are now zoned to add backyard homes in extra yard space, providing an opportunity for homeowners, in effect, to become micro real estate developers. The unit must be designed to meet Shelter Cove's zoning and building codes in order to be permitted for construction.

The general design requirements for building a backyard home in Shelter Cove are summarized below:

• Backyard Home: Technically referred to as an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU).


• Minimum Lot Size: ADU projects on single family or multi-family residential parcels will not be subject to the minimum lot size of the underlying local zoning code or by special ordinance. ~ According To AB68


• Maximum Unit Size: Residential properties will be permitted to build up to 850 sqft for a one bed ADU or up to 1,000 sqft for a two bed ADU, regardless of the underlying zoning standards of the property. A Junior Accessort Dwelling Unit (JADU) is permitted up to 500 sqft. According to California Residential Code, the minimum size of any living unit is 150 sqft (including Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)s and Junior Accessort Dwelling Unit (JADU)s). ~ AB-68


• Parking Exception: Properties located within 0.5 miles walking distance from a public transit station are exempt from additional parking requirements. (state mandated)


• Exterior Design: Specific design styles and restrictions are not specified under State Standards. Note that it is typical for the unit to be required to resemble the primary home's design and character.


• Approval Timeline: Under state law, the city must approve or deny any permit application in 60 days or less.

The timeline to complete a backyard home design, permit and new constuction project is typically more than 12 months. Go to your city zoning page to learn more about the requrements in Shelter Cove and take the first steps to get started with your project.

Go to Shelter Cove ADU Zoning Page Our Design Process Homepage

Backyard Home Design Concept - 400 Square Foot, Studio Suite

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This is an example design. In the design process we provide you with designs customized to your preferences and your property.

Go to Shelter Cove ADU Zoning Page

ADU Model 350 sqft

W 28 ft L 12 ft

ADU Model 728 sqft

W 28 ft L 26 ft

ADU Model 300 sqft

W 22 ft L 18 ft

ADU Model 728 sqft

W 52 ft L 14 ft

ADU Model 625 sqft

W 25 ft L 12 ft

ADU Model 500 sqft

W 25 ft L 20 ft

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