EcoHome Builders
What are the requirements to build an ADU in Chula Vista?
Building an ADU in Chula Vista is a great way to add more living space to your property so you’d be able to host family members, earn passive income, or sell it at a higher price. To complete an ADU project successfully, you must start by learning what the local regulations are, how they apply to your property, and if it makes financial sense to build an ADU in Chula Vista. In this guide, we summarized the City of Chula Vista’s requirements to build an ADU and the financial data you need to consider before starting your project.
ADU regulations for properties with a single-family home
How many ADUs can you build in Chula Vista?
In Chula Vista, you can build one ADU on a lot with either a proposed or existing single-family home, whether it is an attached or a detached ADU from the primary building.
How large can an attached ADU be in Chula Vista?
The attached ADU should not be larger than half of the total floor area of the primary residence, or 850 square feet for a one-bedroom unit and 1,000 square feet for a unit with multiple bedrooms, whichever is greater. Additionally, at least 800 square feet can be built without having to follow the floor area ratio, lot coverage, or open space regulations of the underlying zone.
How large can a detached ADU be in Chula Vista?
A single-family detached ADU should not go beyond 1,200 square feet in size. Additionally, similar to attached ADUs, you can construct at least 800 square feet without needing to follow the floor area ratio, lot coverage, or open space regulations of the underlying zone.
Can I build a 2-story ADU in Chula Vista?
Yes, a maximum of a 2-story ADU can be built, but it is limited to attached ADUs only.
Is there a minimum size for an ADU?
Not imposed by the planning regulations. The building code will impose certain sizes for all the living spaces you’ll need to have in your ADU (ex: bathroom, kitchen, bedroom, living room).
Can I convert the existing space to an ADU?
Yes, you can convert existing space into an ADU in Chula Vista.
What is the maximum height for an ADU?
Detached ADUs can go up to 18 feet on a lot with an existing or proposed single-family house if it's within a half mile of transit or a high-quality transit area. If needed to match the main house's roof pitch, this maximum can be raised to 20 feet.
For attached ADUs, they can be as high as 25 feet or the maximum height allowed by the zoning, whichever is less.
ADU regulations for properties with a multi-family building
How many ADUs does Chula Vista allow for multifamily properties?
Multifamily properties in Chula Vista can have up to two detached ADUs.
How large can an attached ADU for a multifamily building be in Chula Vista?
In Chula Vista, an attached ADU to a multifamily building cannot be over 50 percent of the total floor area of the primary residence. Depending on the number of bedrooms, it can be up to 850 square feet for a one-bedroom unit or up to 1,000 square feet for a unit with multiple bedrooms. Additionally, up to 800 square feet can be constructed without needing to follow the floor area ratio, lot coverage, or open space regulations of the underlying zone.
How large can a detached ADU for a multifamily building be in Chula Vista?
A detached ADU for a multifamily building in Chula Vista should not be larger than 1,200 square feet in size. Similar to the attached ADUs, you can build up to 800 square feet without needing to follow the floor area ratio, lot coverage, or open space regulations of the underlying zone.
Can I stack detached ADUs on top of each other?
No, stacking detached ADUs on top of each other is not mentioned in the specified configuration outlined in the City's municipal code.
Can I attach two ADUs to each other?
No, attached ADUs can only be constructed in specific configurations. They should be built as an attachment to and above a primary residence, which includes an attached garage, or they can be built on top of a detached garage or accessory building.
Can I convert the existing space to an ADU?
Yes. The conversion of non-habitable spaces is allowed, such as storage rooms, boiler rooms, passageways, attics, basements, and attached or detached garages, into ADUs.
What is the maximum height for an ADU on a property with a multi-family building
For detached ADUs, on a lot with an existing or proposed multi-family house within a half mile of transit or a high-quality transit area, they can reach up to 18 feet, or 20 feet if needed to match the main house's roof pitch.
Additionally, they can be up to 18 feet on a lot with an existing or proposed multi-story multifamily building, regardless of its proximity to public transit.
For attached ADUs: They can reach a height of up to 25 feet or the maximum height allowed by the zoning, whichever is lower.
What ADU types are allowed to build in Chula Vista?
Chula Vista allows several options for adding an ADU to your property, including:
(A) Detached ADU: A standalone structure that is independent of the primary residence.
(B) Attached ADU: A unit that is physically connected or integrated into the main house.
(C) Converted ADU: The conversion of existing non-livable areas, such as garages or sheds, into functional living spaces with amenities like kitchens and bathrooms.
Homeowners can choose to construct a new ADU or repurpose an existing structure. Converting spaces like garages or sheds may offer benefits, such as fewer zoning restrictions (like setbacks or height limits) and the possibility of smaller additions. However, renovating older buildings might uncover unexpected issues that could lead to higher costs.
ADU setbacks from the property lines and other buildings
What are the required setbacks for an ADU in Chula Vista?
In Chula Vista, the minimum setback for ADUs is 4 feet from both the rear and side property lines. The city does not specify additional rules for corner or through lots.
What is the minimum distance the ADU must have from the existing structures?
A new detached ADU should be built at least 6 feet away from the primary residence.
Are setbacks required when an existing structure is converted into an ADU?
No, setbacks are not required for existing garages, living areas, or accessory structures that are converted into ADU, as long as they are constructed in the same dimensions.
Can I build an ADU in the front yard of my house in Chula Vista?
An ADU may be placed in the front yard, but only if there is no other suitable location on the property for an ADU of at least 800 square feet. Zoning setback rules should be followed.
Design requirements for ADU
How many bedrooms can an ADU have?
At least one bedroom is required. As opposed to other cities that allow for studios.
Does an ADU need to have a kitchen?
Yes, as per the city's municipal code, ADUs should have permanent provisions for cooking. While full-sized kitchens are necessary for ADUs, JADUs require only an efficiency kitchen, and guest houses do not require a kitchen at all.
Does an ADU require independent utility meters?
It depends. If kept as an accessory unit, shared water and sewer connections are allowed, but a separate electric meter might be needed. For future conversion to a condominium, separate utility meters are recommended.
What is the minimum ceiling height?
In Chula Vista, habitable spaces in new residential constructions, including ADUs, should follow the minimum ceiling height requirement of 7 feet by the California Building Code.
Find out the maximum ADU size for your property here
The parking requirements for ADU
What is the parking requirement for an ADU in Chula Vista?
The parking requirement for an ADU is one parking space per unit or bedroom, whichever is less.
Where can I have a parking space on my property?
The required parking space should be located on the same lot as the ADU. Also, you cannot use the driveway on the sidewalk and call it a parking space.
How to get permits for your ADU
How long does it take to get an ADU permit in Chula Vista?
In Chula Vista, the process to get an ADU permit typically takes between 3.5 and 4 months. It's advisable to consult with a city planner before submitting your plans to ensure they meet all the requirements.
Once the plans are submitted and fees are paid, the city has 60 days to confirm the application is complete. If no response is received within that time, the permit is granted automatically. Should changes be required, you'll need to update and resubmit the plans. Incomplete applications won't be denied, but any missing information should be corrected. The estimated Plan Check fee for ADU projects in Chula Vista is around $970.
Does Chula Vista require in-person submission of plans for an ADU?
Yes. The city requires in-person plan submissions, which could involve slightly higher processing time and expenses for printing the drawing sets.
Does Chula Vista require coastal development permits?
Depends on the location of the property. For ADUs located within the coastal zone, obtaining a coastal development permit might be necessary.
When do you need a licensed professional to design an ADU in Chula Vista?
A licensed professional is required to design an ADU if it involves non-standard building practices, particularly for residential structures over two stories with a basement.
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How much does it cost to build an ADU in Chula Vista?
In Chula Vista, the construction cost to build an ADU is approximately $325 per square foot. In addition, you have to add to your estimate the soft costs for permits, architects, and engineers. As an example, for a 900 square foot ADU, the total project cost, including hard and soft costs, rounds up to approx. $330,000.
Is it profitable to build an ADU in Chula Vista?
Typically, your profit depends on the construction cost in the city you choose to build in and the market value of the real estate in a specific area. In Chula Vista, the market value of a 900-square-foot ADU in a neighborhood like Rancho Del Rey is approximately $380,000. Since the total project cost to build a 900-square-foot ADU is approx. $330,000, it'd give you a roughly 15% ROI.
You may measure the profitability of having an ADU based on other metrics like generating passive income or how much rent you could get vs. the costs, or you can measure based on lifestyle goals such as how easy your life could be if you have your relatives living on the same property with you.
Can you sell an ADU in Chula Vista?
California's AB 1033 allows local authorities to establish rules for selling ADUs and primary homes as condominiums, as long as they comply with existing development standards.
In Chula Vista, local regulations govern the sale of ADUs. An ADU is eligible for sale if it was built by a certified nonprofit organization, if a documented tenancy-in-common agreement exists, or if the city grants approval for the separate sale of the ADU and primary residence as individual condominiums.
Are ADUs rent-controlled in Chula Vista?
No, ADUs are not rent-controlled in Chula Vista because they are considered new. Under AB 1482, landlords can raise rents annually. However, this regulation only applies to structures that are at least 15 years old.
How do I get money to build an ADU in Chula Vista?
Chula Vista homeowners can use the "ADU Loan Program" to get funding for building or improving an ADU. This program helps homeowners, especially those with low and moderate income, to build or upgrade ADUs on their property. The city offers financial assistance for this purpose. Once built, these ADUs should be rented out at affordable rates to low-income families for 15 years. Funding is limited and given out on a first-come, first-served basis to eligible homeowners.
Find out how much value an ADU could add to your property.
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