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All ADU Regulations

San Diego (County), California

San Diego (County) has updated its ADU ordinance to comply with new state laws. Below are the up-to-date requirements for permitting an ADU in San Diego (County)
Updated Jul 27, 2022

San Diego (County)

San Diego County is one of the most desirable places to live in California. The weather is amazing and there are many things to do. One of the best things about living in San Diego County is the ability to build an Accessory Dwelling Unit.
ADUs are small living spaces that are attached to or detached from a single-family home. Building an ADU in San Diego County is a great way to increase the value of your home while also earning rental income, or to create housing for a family member.

Zoning

All properties zoned for single family and multifamily use may be eligible to build ADUs.

Number of units

The number of ADUs you’re able to build depends on how your lot is zoned:
  • Lots zoned for single family use may add 1 ADU and 1 Jr. ADU (JADU).
  • Lots zoned for multi-family may add 2 new detached ADUs and at least one conversion ADU (interior conversion of existing building, but no more than 25% of the original number of units. (E.g. an apartment with 4 units may add 2 detached ADUs and 1 conversion ADU.)

Building size

  • The maximum size is 500.0 sq. ft. for a JADU
  • 1200 sq. ft. max for a detached ADU
  • Attached ADU Max Size: Total floor area of an attached ADU shall not exceed 50% of the floor area of the SFD, up to a maximum floor area of 1,200 square feet.

Building height

  • Building height attached ADU : 24 ft

Setbacks

  • Backyard Existing Structure Setback: The minimum required distance between structures is 6′, with 4′ eave to eaveft
  • Side Yard Existing Structure Setback: The minimum required distance between structures is 6′, with 4′ eave to eaveft

Parking

State Law - No requirements for parking if any of the following true:
  • The accessory dwelling unit is located within one-half mile walking distance of public transit.
  • The accessory dwelling unit is located within an architecturally and historically significant historic district.
  • The accessory dwelling unit is part of the proposed or existing primary residence or an accessory structure.
  • When on-street parking permits are required but not offered to the occupant of the accessory dwelling unit.
  • When there is a car share vehicle located within one block of the accessory dwelling unit.

Restrictions

  • Owner occupancy not required
  • No short term rentals (<30 days)
  • No sale of the ADU separate from the main home

Want to learn more about ADU regulations in your area?

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