San Jose · Santa Clara County
ADU Design & Build in San Jose, California
San Jose has one of the most ADU-friendly permit programs in the Bay Area, and SHAPE's modular system turns that into a finished home faster than anyone else.
Building ADUs in San Jose, California
SHAPE designs and builds accessory dwelling units for homeowners in San Jose, California, across Willow Glen, Rose Garden, Cambrian, Almaden, Berryessa, Naglee Park, and the Alum Rock foothills.
San Jose has the most ADU-friendly permit program in the region, pre-approved plans, reduced fees for affordable units, and one of the highest ADU permit volumes in California.
We're a licensed California general contractor (CSLB #1158688) with an in-house architecture and modular construction team. That means one contract, one fixed price, and one team responsible from the first site walk through final inspection with the San Jose building department.
San Jose ADU Rules at a Glance
- Setbacks: California state law caps rear and side setbacks for new ADUs at 4 feet, and San Jose follows that standard.
- Height: Detached ADUs are generally allowed up to 16 feet, or up to 18–25 feet on lots that meet transit or multi-story criteria under state law.
- Maximum size: San Jose offers pre-approved ADU plans and permits detached units up to 1,200 sq ft, with reduced fees for affordable ADUs.
- JADUs: Junior ADUs (up to 500 sq ft) are allowed inside the existing footprint of the primary home, in addition to a detached ADU on most single-family lots.
- Parking: No replacement parking is required when an ADU is built within one half-mile of public transit, which covers most San Jose lots.
SHAPE handles the full permit package with the San Jose planning department, zoning verification, building plans, Title 24 energy, and every correction cycle, so you don't have to learn the code.
Our Process
- Site assessment. We walk your San Jose lot, confirm setbacks and utility locations, and give you a feasibility read and an all-in price the same week.
- Design. Our in-house architects design the ADU around your lot, your family, and your budget, with fixed pricing before you sign.
- Permits. We submit, respond to every planning and building comment, and drive the file to permit issuance with San Jose.
- Build. Modules are fabricated in our facility while site work, foundation, utilities, landscaping, runs in parallel. Set and finish happen on site.
Frequently asked
- How much does an ADU cost in San Jose?
- SHAPE's published prices start at $223,000 for Model 1, $263,000 for Model 2, and $343,000 for Model 2X on a typical lot. The final fixed quote in San Jose depends on size, finishes, utilities, access, and site conditions.
- How long do permits take in San Jose?
- California law requires ministerial ADU review within 60 days of a complete submittal. Real-world timelines in San Jose typically run 2–4 months including corrections. SHAPE manages every submittal and response with the San Jose planning department.
- Do I need to add parking for an ADU in San Jose?
- In most cases, no. California state law waives ADU parking requirements when the unit is within a half-mile of public transit, which covers most single-family lots in San Jose.
- What size ADU can I build in San Jose?
- San Jose offers pre-approved ADU plans and permits detached units up to 1,200 sq ft, with reduced fees for affordable ADUs. On top of local rules, California state law guarantees at least 800 sq ft on most single-family lots regardless of local FAR limits.
- Can I rent out an ADU in San Jose?
- Yes. California state law allows long-term (30+ day) rentals of ADUs statewide. Short-term rentals are set by the city, San Jose, like most Bay Area jurisdictions, restricts or prohibits stays under 30 days.
Nearby cities we serve
Get a Free Site Assessment
Tell us about your San Jose lot and what you'd like to build. We'll walk the property, confirm feasibility, and come back with a fixed all-in price, no obligation.
