In Saratoga, don't stop at SB 9. The city's own code goes further on unit counts after a split, and lets you convert a home or duplex into three units. The catch is the road. On some lots, a new home triggers fire access work like a turnaround or road widening. Get that scoped before you price the project.
Adding an ADU
In Saratoga
Under Saratoga's code, a single-family parcel can have up to two primary units, one attached ADU and two JADUs within the main home, and one detached ADU.[1]
State law, everywhere in California
A city has 60 days to approve or deny a complete ADU or junior ADU (JADU) permit application.[2]
Lot coverage, floor area ratio, and front setback rules can't be used to block an ADU of at least 800 square feet with four-foot side and rear setbacks.[2]
A city can't set a height limit below 16 feet for a detached ADU, or below 18 feet within a half mile of a major transit stop or high-quality transit corridor. Attached ADUs can go to 25 feet or the main home's zoning height, whichever is lower.[2]
A JADU is up to 500 square feet of interior space inside the main home. Owner occupancy can't be required for an ADU, but it is required for a JADU that shares a bathroom with the main home.[2]
No impact fees on an ADU of 750 square feet or less. Above that, fees have to be proportional to the main home.[2]
On a lot with an existing apartment building, state law allows up to eight detached ADUs (never more than the number of existing units), plus conversions of non-living space.[2]
Lot splits and second homes
In Saratoga
The city's code allows up to four dwelling units per parcel after a lot split, compared with two under SB 9, and allows converting a single-family home or duplex into a three-unit residence.[1]
Each new lot can be developed through SB 9's two-unit process or the city's standard design review. Either way, the city's objective design standards apply, including Article 15-59.[1]
A new home on the additional parcel may require improvements for emergency access, such as a fire truck turnaround or a wider road.[1]
State law (SB 9)
SB 9 applies to lots zoned single-family. It allows two primary homes on one lot, a split into two lots, or both, with staff-level approval and no public hearing.[3]
Local rules can't stop two homes of at least 800 square feet each, or a split into two lots of at least 1,200 square feet. Side and rear setbacks are capped at four feet.[3]
Parking is capped at one space per unit, and none can be required within a half mile walk of a high-quality transit corridor or major transit stop, or within a block of a car-share vehicle.[3]
To split a lot, you sign an affidavit that you intend to live in one of the units as your main home for at least three years. Any rental has to be for more than 30 days.[3]
SB 9 doesn't apply if the project would demolish or alter rent-restricted housing, rent-controlled housing, or housing a tenant has lived in during the last three years. It also excludes historic properties, lots with an Ellis Act withdrawal in the last 15 years, lots already created by an SB 9 split, and lots next to one the same owner split.[3]
The ceiling is four units total. After a split, the city has to allow two units on each new lot. The city must decide on a complete application within 60 days.[3]
Rent control and AB 1482
In Saratoga
We did not find a city rent cap or rent stabilization ordinance in our review of official city sources. For units AB 1482 covers, the state cap applies.[4]
State law (AB 1482)
Under the Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482), rent can't go up more than 5% plus the change in the cost of living, or 10%, whichever is lower, in a 12-month period.[4]
After a tenant has lived in a unit for 12 months, the landlord needs a listed reason to end the tenancy, either at-fault (like nonpayment) or no-fault (like owner move-in or a substantial remodel).[4]
Exempt: units with a certificate of occupancy issued in the last 15 years (a rolling date), single-family homes not owned by a corporation or REIT, a duplex where the owner lives in the other unit, and units already under a stricter local rent control law.[4]
What is your Saratoga home worth, and what could it become?
I spent my career on the investment side, helping operate more than 7,000 units. I'll give you a valuation built from recent sales, and a straight read on what your lot allows: an ADU, a split, or neither.
Saratoga questions, answered
How many units can I build after a lot split in Saratoga?+
Saratoga's code allows up to four dwelling units per parcel after a split, more than the two SB 9 requires.[1]
Will a Saratoga lot split need road or fire access work?+
It may. The city says a new home on the additional parcel may require improvements for emergency access, such as a turnaround or wider road.[1]
Does Saratoga have rent control?+
We did not find a local rent cap in official city sources. Covered units fall under the state Tenant Protection Act.[4]
- [1]City of Saratoga, “Senate Bill (SB) 9”
- [2]California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), “ADU Handbook (March 2026 update)”
- [3]California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), “Housing Law Fact Sheet: Duplexes and Lot Splits (SB 9), April 2026”
- [4]California Attorney General, “Landlord-Tenant Issues: Tenant Protection Act”
Official Saratoga pages
This page is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change, and cities amend their codes after state reviews. Confirm current requirements with the city and a qualified professional before you buy, build, or change a tenancy. Erica Walters, REALTOR®, CalDRE# 02239622, Compass.