Cupertino Regulations

BACKYARD OFFICE REQUIREMENTS:

Permit Restrictions

• A building permit will be required for a unit > 120 square feet that is being utilized (not a shed)

• Regardless of whether a planning permit is required, an in-depth site plan must be submitted, and all planning department regulations must be followed

• If there is an addition of a deck (attached to the ADU with a step height > 18 inches), the following restrictions apply:

  • Minimum setback from any property line: 10 feet

• The addition of electricity would require an electrical permit

Setback and Height Restrictions

• Maximum height: 20 feet / 1 story

• Total allotment restrictions:

  • 45% of the size of your lot (including home square footage)

  • 5% additional space for overhangs and decks (totaling 50%)

  • 30% of the rear yard must be unoccupied

• Fire-rated wall restrictions:

  • 5 feet from the property line

  • If it is built less than 5 feet from the property line, it requires a 1-hour fire-rated wall assembly

• Setback restrictions:

  • Minimum distance from main residence: 5 feet

  • The following also applies:

ADU REQUIREMENTS:

Zoning Restrictions

• All single-family homes are permitted to have ADUs

• All two-family homes are permitted to have ADUs

• All multi-family homes are permitted to have ADUs

Setback and Height Restrictions

• Maximum height: 16 feet

• Minimum Setbacks:

  • Rear lot: 4 feet

  • Side lot: 4 feet

  • Any existing structures: 6 feet

Other Restrictions

• No more than 2 detached structures can be in the yard

• You may be required to sign a document prohibiting you from doing short-term leases < 30 days