State law permits ADUs up to 1,200 sqft for detached units. 10,000 sqft to 1+ acre typical for Coto De Caza estate lots. Among the largest residential lots in Orange County.
16 feet for single-story detached ADUs. Up to 18 feet with roof pitch allowance. Two-story ADUs may reach 25 feet in qualifying zones under AB 1332.
4-foot minimum from rear and side property lines for new detached ADUs. Given Coto De Caza's generous lot sizes, setbacks are rarely a constraint.
No additional parking required for ADUs in most cases. Garage conversions and properties near transit are exempt. Most Coto De Caza properties have ample existing parking.
No owner-occupancy requirement (permanent per AB 976, effective 2025).
Estimated cost $300K–$475K. Permit fees $5K–$14K. Impact fees: Waived under 750 sqft.
Coto De Caza is one of the largest gated communities in the United States, an unincorporated master-planned community in the foothills of the Santa Ana Mountains with a population of approximately 15,000. The community is known for its expansive estate lots — many exceeding 10,000 sqft and some over an acre — equestrian trails, and resort-style amenities including pools, tennis courts, and the Coto De Caza Golf & Racquet Club. Because Coto De Caza is unincorporated, ADU permitting falls under the County of Orange rather than a city jurisdiction. The large lot sizes make Coto De Caza one of the most ADU-friendly communities in Orange County from a buildability standpoint. However, the community's active HOA (the Coto De Caza Homeowners Association) requires architectural review, though California state law (AB 1033) prevents HOAs from prohibiting ADUs.