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ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) In Santa Ana, CA

Santa Ana, often revered as the "heart of Orange County," holds a distinctive position owing to its geographical and cultural prominence. Its close proximity to illustrious cities like Irvine, Costa Mesa, and Newport Beach presents a substantial advantage, creating a nexus of accessibility and cultural richness that residents and visitors alike find appealing.

 

Being nestled close to some of Orange County's most prestigious and vibrant communities, Santa Ana offers a unique blend of urban living coupled with easy access to the serene beaches and the pristine coastal expanses of Newport Beach. This closeness to the beach not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of living in Santa Ana but also provides a recreational respite from the urban hustle.

 

Furthermore, the accessibility to flourishing economic and cultural hubs like Irvine and Costa Mesa amplifies the allure of Santa Ana, facilitating a dynamic interchange of professional opportunities, lifestyle amenities, and cultural exchanges. The blend of Santa Ana's heartland essence and its adjacency to these prime areas creates a harmonious blend of urban sophistication and suburban tranquility.

 

The real estate landscape in Santa Ana is burgeoning, with the city being an attractive location for a variety of residential and commercial development projects. The comparatively larger lot sizes present in Santa Ana become an enticing feature for those looking to invest in constructing Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) or embarking on other addition projects. This feature, amalgamated with the strategic location of Santa Ana, augments the city’s desirability for both real estate developers and prospective homeowners looking to enjoy the best of what Orange County has to offer.

Building Permit Application Process in Santa Ana, CA

Here's a comprehensive guide to the application process and associated fees:​

1. Determine the Required Permits

Depending on your project's scope, you may need one or more of the following permits:​

Building Permit: For new constructions, additions, alterations, or repairs.​

Electrical Permit: For electrical system installations or modifications.​

Plumbing Permit: For plumbing system installations or changes.​

Mechanical Permit: For HVAC system installations or alterations.​

Some minor work may be exempt from permits. For a list of exemptions, refer to the Permits & Inspections FAQs.

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2. Prepare Your Application

Gather all necessary documentation, which may include:​

  • Completed Building Permit Application.​

  • Detailed construction plans.​

  • Structural calculations.​

  • Energy compliance documentation.​

Ensure that plans comply with the current California Building Standards Code and local ordinances.

most projects.​

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3. Submit Your Application

Submit your application and plans to the City of Santa Ana's Building Safety Division. Some permits may be issued over-the-counter, while others require plan review. For submission details, visit the Building Permit Information page.​

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4. Plan Review Process

The Building Safety Division will review your plans for compliance with applicable codes. The review timeframe varies based on project complexity. If corrections are needed, you'll be notified to revise and resubmit your plans.
 

5. Obtain Additional Clearances

Before permit issuance, you may need approvals from other departments or agencies, such as:​

  • Public Works Agency: For compliance with municipal codes and assessment of development impact fees. More information is available on the Building Permit Release page.​

  • Santa Ana Unified School District: For developer fees related to school facilities. As of August 12, 2024, the fee is $5.17 per square foot for new residential construction and additions over 500 square feet. For details, visit the Facilities / Developer Fees page.
     

6. Permit Issuance

Once all reviews and clearances are complete, you'll pay the required fees, and the permit will be issued. Construction must commence within 180 days to prevent permit expiration. For more details, see the Permits & Inspections FAQs.​

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Fee Structure

Building permit fees in Santa Ana vary based on the project's scope and valuation. Itemized fees are charged for electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits. For detailed fee information, contact the Permit Counter at (714) 647-5800. Additional fees, such as development impact fees assessed by the Public Works Agency, may apply. For more information, visit the Building Permit Release page.​

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By following these steps and consulting with the appropriate departments, you can navigate the building permit application process in Santa Ana effectively.

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Types of construction projects we handle in Santa Ana, CA

  • Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Development

  • Additions & Expansions

  • Renovation & Modernization

  • Garage Conversions

  • Interior Remodeling

  • Fix and Flip Ventures

  • Commercial Constructions

  • Tenant Space Enhancements

  • 3D Project Visualization

  • Financing Solutions

Steps to Schedule Inspections in Advance 

​Scheduling a building inspection in Santa Ana, California, is a straightforward process designed to ensure that construction projects comply with local codes and regulations. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you schedule inspections in advance:​

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1. Gather Required Information

Before scheduling an inspection, ensure you have the following details:

  • Permit Number and PIN: These are located on your permit document. The PIN is typically found at the top right corner, beneath the permit number.​

  • Property Address: Include suite numbers if applicable.​

  • Type of Inspection: Specify the category, such as structural, plumbing, mechanical, or electrical.​

  • Inspection Code: This code is found on your job card and corresponds to the specific inspection type.​

  • Preferred Inspection Date: Choose a date that aligns with your project timeline.​

  • Special Instructions: Optional notes for the inspector, such as site access details or safety considerations.​

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2. Schedule the Inspection

The City of Santa Ana offers two primary methods to schedule an inspection:​

  • Online Scheduling:

    • Visit the City's official inspection scheduling page.​

    • Enter the required information as prompted.​

    • Submit your request and note any confirmation details provided.​

  • Phone Scheduling:

    • Call the Inspection Request Line at (714) 667-2738.​

    • An automated system will guide you through the process.​

    • Provide the necessary information when prompted.​

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3. Understand Inspection Timelines

Inspections are typically conducted within a standard timeframe, but it's advisable to schedule in advance to secure your preferred date. The availability of specific time slots may vary based on the inspector's workload and the nature of the inspection.​

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4. Prepare for the Inspection

To facilitate a smooth inspection process:

  • Approved Plans On-Site: Ensure that all approved plans are available at the inspection site.​

  • Site Accessibility: Provide necessary access to the inspection area, including keys or gate codes if applicable.​

  • Job Card: Have the job card ready for the inspector's review.​

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5. Day of Inspection

On the scheduled day:​

  • Be Present or Available: While not always required, it's beneficial to have someone on-site to address any questions.​

  • Follow Up: After the inspection, review any notes or required corrections provided by the inspector.​

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By following these steps, you can efficiently schedule and prepare for a building inspection in Santa Ana, ensuring your project progresses smoothly and remains compliant with local regulations.

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is intended for general guidance only and may not be complete or accurate. For the most current and precise information regarding ADU construction requirements and regulations in the City of Santa Ana, please refer to the official City of Santa Ana website. We strongly recommend verifying all details with the official city resources before proceeding with any ADU project.

Best time to build in Santa Ana, CA

Now is the best time to build an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) in Santa Ana, CA, due to a combination of favorable state and local policies, financial incentives, and increasing housing demand. California has streamlined ADU approvals with laws that limit permit processing times, reduce fees, and prevent cities from imposing restrictive zoning regulations. Santa Ana, in particular, encourages ADU development with relaxed parking requirements, reduced setbacks, and allowances for both attached and detached units. Additionally, interest rates are stabilizing, making financing more accessible, while rental demand in the area remains high, offering homeowners the opportunity to generate passive income. With construction costs expected to rise due to inflation and increasing labor expenses, building now can help homeowners lock in costs before they climb higher. Moreover, ADUs add significant property value and provide flexible housing solutions for multi-generational families, making them a smart long-term investment.

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