What are your thoughts on allowing more ADUs in Sunnyvale?

The City of Sunnyvale is currently reviewing its regulations for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), also known as “granny flats” or “mother-in-law” units. An ADU is a small dwelling located on the same property as a single-family home. It can be a part of the main home or a separate structure.  Sunnyvale’s current codes limit the size of ADUs to a maximum of 700 square feet with no more than one bedroom.

The purpose of this study is to consider possible changes to Sunnyvale’s ADU regulations that might allow more homeowners to add an ADU to their property. Part of the study includes determining where in the City ADUs should be allowed and what the minimum development standards should be.

The State of California has declared that ADUs are consistent with single-family home zoning and density standards. The State also considers ADUs to be a viable option for creating more affordable housing in existing neighborhoods.

Please share your opinion on this topic by taking the brief survey below.

Background on ADUs in Sunnyvale:

• From January 1996 to December 2016, 115 ADUs were permitted by the City and 78 of those permitted were built.
• Just 15% of the existing single family lots in Sunnyvale are large enough to meet the current development standards for ADUs.  
• Map of Sunnyvale Single-family Zones
• You can review the current ADU development standards in this handout or in the Municipal Code (Chapter 19.68. Mobile, Accessory, And Single Room Occupancy Living Units)