Last updated: September 24, 2026
What affects the price
Building an ADU involves variables that shift your total investment. The footprint size and complexity of the architectural design are primary factors. Are you planning a detached unit that requires new utility trenching, or is this a garage conversion that uses existing plumbing? Site accessibility, soil conditions, and your choice of finishes—like luxury flooring versus standard options—also play significant roles. Permitting fees vary widely depending on your local municipality and current zoning requirements. Exact pricing confirmed free on the call.
About this service
Frequently asked in San Jose
What are the disadvantages of ADUs in San Jose?
Some disadvantages can include upfront construction costs and potential impacts on existing utility services. You'll also need to consider parking requirements and how an ADU might affect your current yard space. However, these are often outweighed by the long-term benefits of increased living space or rental income. We can discuss these factors with you.
How much does an ADU cost in California?
What are the rules for ADUs in California?
California has state-level laws that streamline ADU approvals, but local San Jose ordinances also apply. These rules cover things like minimum lot size, setbacks, and height restrictions. Many cities encourage ADUs to address housing shortages. We can help you understand the specific requirements for your San Jose location.
Is an ADU allowed in California?
Yes, Accessory Dwelling Units are not only allowed but actively encouraged throughout California. State laws aim to make it easier for homeowners to build ADUs. Local jurisdictions, including San Jose, have their own specific guidelines to follow. We can guide you through the local nuances.
What are the rules for ADUs in California?
California has state-level laws that streamline ADU approvals, but local San Jose ordinances also apply. These rules cover things like minimum lot size, setbacks, and height restrictions. Many cities encourage ADUs to address housing shortages. We can help you understand the specific requirements for your San Jose location.
Also serving nearby: Burbank · Santa Clara · Sunnyvale · Fremont · Hayward
More on this: HUD ADU resources — ADU policy and financing research.
Service area details
Serving all of San Jose — population 969,655; about 5,449 residents per square mile across 177.9 sq mi. ZIP codes covered include 95025, 95101, 95103, 95106, 95108, 95109, 95110, 95111.
Neighborhoods served in San Jose: Willow Glen, Cambrian Park, Almaden Valley, Berryessa, Downtown San Jose — and every surrounding area.
Areas we serve
Browse by state, then city.
Alabama (4)
All of Alabama · Birmingham · Huntsville · Mobile · Montgomery
Alaska (1)
Arizona (8)
All of Arizona · Chandler · Gilbert · Mesa · Peoria · Phoenix · Scottsdale · Tempe · Tucson
Arkansas (1)
California (29)
All of California · Anaheim · Bakersfield · Chula Vista · Elk Grove · Fontana · Fremont · Fresno · Garden Grove · Glendale · Huntington Beach · Lancaster · Long Beach · Los Angeles · Modesto · Moreno Valley · Oakland · Oceanside · Ontario · Oxnard · Rancho Cucamonga · Riverside · Sacramento · San Bernardino · San Diego · San Francisco · San Jose · Santa Clarita · Santa Rosa · Stockton
Colorado (4)
All of Colorado · Aurora · Colorado Springs · Denver · Fort Collins
District of Columbia (1)
Florida (9)
All of Florida · Cape Coral · Fort Lauderdale · Hialeah · Miami · Orlando · Pembroke Pines · Port St. Lucie · Tallahassee · Tampa
Georgia (3)
All of Georgia · Atlanta · Augusta-Richmond County · Columbus
Hawaii (1)
Idaho (1)
Illinois (2)
Indiana (2)
Iowa (1)
Kansas (2)
Kentucky (2)
All of Kentucky · Lexington-Fayette · Louisville/Jefferson County
Louisiana (3)
Maryland (1)
Massachusetts (1)
Michigan (2)
Minnesota (2)
Missouri (3)
Nebraska (2)
Nevada (4)
All of Nevada · Henderson · Las Vegas · North Las Vegas · Reno
New Jersey (1)
New Mexico (1)
New York (4)
All of New York · Buffalo · New York · Rochester · Yonkers
North Carolina (7)
All of North Carolina · Cary · Charlotte · Durham · Fayetteville · Greensboro · Raleigh · Winston-Salem
Ohio (4)
All of Ohio · Akron · Cleveland · Columbus · Toledo
Oklahoma (2)
Oregon (3)
All of Oregon · Eugene · Portland · Salem
Pennsylvania (2)
Rhode Island (1)
South Dakota (1)
Tennessee (5)
All of Tennessee · Chattanooga · Clarksville · Knoxville · Memphis · Nashville-Davidson metropolitan government (balance)
Texas (13)
All of Texas · Amarillo · Arlington · Brownsville · El Paso · Fort Worth · Frisco · Garland · Grand Prairie · Houston · Lubbock · McKinney · Plano · San Antonio
Utah (1)
Virginia (4)
All of Virginia · Newport News · Norfolk · Richmond · Virginia Beach
Washington (4)
All of Washington · Seattle · Spokane · Tacoma · Vancouver
