Solana Beach, California

Solana Beach has updated its ADU ordinance to comply with new state laws. Below are the up-to-date requirements for permitting an ADU in Solana Beach

Updated Jul 27, 2022

Solana Beach

Solana Beach is a beautiful beach town in Southern California. The weather is perfect year-round, and the beach is just a short walk from the downtown area. The town is also home to a number of small businesses, including art galleries, restaurants, and shops.

In recent years, ADUs, or accessory dwelling units, have become popular in Solana Beach. These small units can be used as guesthouses, rental units, or even primary residences. The town has been very supportive of ADUs, and as a result, there are a number of them in Solana Beach.

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
Studio or 1 bed - max 850 sq. ft. for a detached ADU
Attached ADU Max Size: Studio or 1 bed - max 850 sq. ft.

Building height

Building height attached ADU: Shall not exceed a height of 12 feet where located within a rear yard setback. Shall not exceed 16 feet in height measured from pre-existing grade or finished grade, whichever is lower, to the highest point of the roof.
Building height detached ADU: All attached accessory structures greater than 42 inches in height shall be made structurally a part of the principal structure, be composed of materials which are visually compatible with the principal structure and shall comply in all respects with the requirements applicable to the principal structure.

Shall not exceed 16 feet in height measured from pre-existing grade or finished grade, whichever is lower, to the highest point of the roof.

Parking

One off-street parking space shall be provided for the accessory dwelling unit, which may be provided as tandem parking on an existing driveway and shall be permitted in setback areas in locations determined by the director of community development or the director’s designee unless the director of community development or the director’s designee makes specific findings that parking in setback areas or tandem parking is not feasible based upon specific site topographical or fire and life safety conditions. No off-street parking shall be required for the accessory dwelling unit in any of the following instances:

i. The accessory dwelling unit is located within one-half mile walking distance of a public transit stop.

ii. The accessory dwelling unit is located within an architecturally and historically significant historic district.

iii. The accessory dwelling unit is part of the existing primary residence or an existing accessory structure.

iv. The accessory dwelling unit is located in an area of the city where on-street parking permits are required but not offered to the occupant of the accessory dwelling unit.

v. The accessory dwelling unit is located within one block of a car share vehicle pick-up location, as established by the city.

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?

Book a free consultation and estimate with a Cottage ADU Expert to find out what’s possible on your property!