ADU Potential In Cambrian Park: What Buyers Should Know

Want extra income, multi‑generational flexibility, or a private workspace? In Cambrian Park’s 95124, many backyards and garages can be great candidates for an accessory dwelling unit. You want clear answers on what is allowed, how much it might cost, and what to check before you write an offer. This guide gives you the San José rules that matter, typical lot advantages in 95124, realistic budgets, and a step‑by‑step due diligence plan. Let’s dive in.

Why many Cambrian lots fit ADUs

Cambrian Park has a large number of mid‑century ranch homes on lots often in the 6,000 to 11,000 square foot range. That depth and backyard space can make detached backyard cottages or garage conversions feasible. Side driveways and existing detached or attached garages also create options for access and conversions.

Every property is different. Trees, recorded easements, and rear‑yard coverage rules can change what is buildable. Treat any example as site‑specific and confirm details during inspections and planning.

What California and San José allow

State law provides a strong baseline that local cities must follow. Under California Government Code Section 65852.2:

• Cities must use ministerial review and decide complete ADU applications within 60 days.
• Detached ADUs can be allowed up to 1,200 square feet, subject to statute and local standards.
• ADUs under 750 square feet are exempt from impact fees. Larger ADUs may be charged proportionally.
• Parking is limited by state rules, with exemptions for units near transit and for garage conversions.

San José implements these rules and lets you apply either local standards or the state allowances, whichever is more beneficial for your lot. Review the city’s ADU ordinance updates and standards with a planner to choose the best path for your site.

Parking and utilities

San José applies the state parking limits, generally up to one off‑street space per ADU or per bedroom, with state exemptions near transit and for conversions. The city also notes that utility providers, particularly PG&E, may require separate metering for some ADUs. Review metering expectations and minimum rental terms on the city’s ADU FAQs.

City programs that speed approval

Start with the city’s ADU Universal Checklist and ADU Ally. San José maintains a dedicated ADU plan review and permit process that helps you confirm basic eligibility early.

If your site qualifies, San José’s preapproved ADU program can shorten reviews, and same‑day permits are possible for some preapproved plans. Sites in landslide, flood, or wildland‑urban interface areas, or those needing fire variances, may not qualify for preapproval and will follow the standard path.

How to screen a 95124 property

Use this quick buyer checklist before you commit:

• Confirm jurisdiction. Most of 95124 is in San José, but a small unincorporated pocket exists. Your parcel lookup will determine whether San José or Santa Clara County rules apply.
• Run the Universal Checklist and contact the ADU Ally using the city’s ADU plan review page.
• Pull the parcel map and title to identify easements and protected trees. Big, mature trees or private easements can reduce the buildable area and add cost.
• Ask PG&E and your water and sewer providers about service capacity, metering needs, and any upgrade timelines flagged in the ADU FAQs.
• Get two to three schematic quotes that compare a garage conversion, an attached ADU, and a detached ADU. Ask whether a preapproved plan will work on the lot.
• Ask the county assessor about supplemental assessment for new construction. If you plan to use grant assistance, review the CalHFA ADU program early.

Realistic costs and financing

Statewide surveys show many ADUs have been built for under roughly 150,000 to 200,000 dollars, but Bay Area builds tend to be higher. Recent regional commentary and surveys indicate common planning ranges of about 200 to 500 plus dollars per square foot, depending on type, site access, and finishes, with many 600 to 900 square foot backyard cottages landing in the low to mid six figures. See the statewide research library at ADU California and 2024 Bay Area cost commentary from a regional builder on typical ADU budgets.

Plan for city fees, plan check, and inspections, plus potential utility upgrades. Remember the state’s fee rule: no impact fees for ADUs under 750 square feet, with proportional fees for larger units per state law. Costs can move with labor and materials, so add a 10 to 20 percent contingency to quotes.

For financing help, the CalHFA ADU program has offered predevelopment grants and low‑cost options for eligible owners. Programs change, so check current availability.

Timeline from offer to move‑in

On a complete application, state law gives the city 60 days for a ministerial ADU decision. If your site matches a preapproved plan and meets all criteria, San José can issue permits quickly. Total time from concept to move‑in often ranges from several months for simple conversions to 9 to 18 months for custom detached builds.

A typical workflow looks like this:

1. Run the Universal Checklist, then request ADU Ally feedback.
2. Confirm utilities and site constraints. Order any needed surveys or arborist input.
3. Choose a preapproved plan or proceed with custom design.
4. Submit plans, pay fees, and complete plan check.
5. Start construction, then complete inspections and final.

Investor notes: rent, sale, occupancy

• Rental terms. San José enforces a minimum 30‑day rental term for ADUs, as noted in the city’s ADU FAQs.
• Owner occupancy. State law has limited owner‑occupancy mandates for most ADUs. Confirm current details with a planner and the statute.
• Separate sale. California created a path to condominiumize some ADUs. San José has a published process and checklist for ADU condominium conversions. Lender consent and a parcel map are required.

How to prioritize listings

When your goal is an ADU, look for:

• A rectangular lot with usable rear yard and side access for construction.
• A garage or carport that could convert without triggering major replacement parking needs.
• Few large protected trees or recorded private easements in the rear yard.
• A site likely to qualify for preapproved plans, which can save time and carrying costs.

Your next step

If an ADU is part of your 95124 game plan, start your due diligence early. We can help you target listings with clear ADU paths, coordinate the city checklist and utility prechecks, and align offers with realistic build timelines. Reach out to Tom Yore & Theresa Van Zant to discuss your goals and Get a Free Market Analysis.

FAQs

Can I assume any 95124 home can add an ADU?

• No. Confirm parcel jurisdiction, zoning, rear‑yard coverage, trees, easements, and utilities, then run the city’s Universal Checklist before you rely on ADU income in your offer.

What is the largest ADU size allowed in San José?

• State law permits detached ADUs up to 1,200 square feet, and San José allows you to choose local or state standards after planner review to see which best fits your lot.

How much does a detached ADU cost in 95124?

• Plan roughly 200 to 500 plus dollars per square foot in the Bay Area, with many 600 to 900 square foot cottages in the low to mid six figures, then add a contingency for site conditions.

What parking is required for an ADU in Cambrian Park?

• The city applies state rules that generally limit parking to one off‑street space per ADU or per bedroom, with exemptions for units near transit and for conversions.

Are short‑term rentals allowed in San José ADUs?

• The city enforces a minimum 30‑day rental term for ADUs, so plan for long‑term occupancy rather than nightly stays.

How long will ADU permitting take in San José?

• The city must decide complete ADU applications within 60 days. Preapproved plans can shorten timelines when the site meets all criteria, but total project time varies by scope.