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What are the requirements to build ADU in San Diego City?
Constructing an ADU in San Diego City offers an excellent opportunity to expand your property's living space, facilitating multigenerational living or providing separate accommodations for aging in-laws. To ensure a successful ADU project, it is essential to first understand the local regulations that apply to your property and assess the financial feasibility of building an ADU in San Diego City. This guide provides a summary of San Diego City's ADU requirements and essential financial considerations to help you navigate and plan your project effectively.
ADU regulations for properties with a single-family home
How many ADUs can you build in San Diego City?
The city allows the construction of one ADU on a single residential property, regardless of whether it is attached or detached from the primary building.
How large can an attached ADU be in San Diego City?
Attached ADUs can have a maximum gross floor area of 1,200 square feet for a single-family property. Also, ADU can be larger than the total gross floor area of the property. However, the ADU itself should not be over 800 square feet in size.
How large can a detached ADU be in San Diego City?
Similar to attached ADUs, detached ADUs can also have a gross floor area of up to 1,200 square feet for a single-family property. However, the ADU itself should not be over 800 square feet in size.
Can I build a 2-story ADU in San Diego City?
Yes, a 2-story ADU can be built in San Diego City.
Is there a minimum size for an ADU?
Yes, both attached and detached ADUs should have a minimum gross floor area of 150 square feet.
Can I convert the existing space to an ADU?
Yes. For instance, in the case of a duplex, converting an existing detached or attached garage into a new ADU is allowed.
What is the maximum height for an ADU?
On a single-family property, ADUs can reach a maximum height of 16 feet.
ADU regulations for properties with a multi-family building
How many ADUs does San Diego City allow for multifamily properties?
San Diego City allows up to 25% of the total existing dwelling units as ADUs within multifamily properties, with a maximum of two attached or detached ADUs.
How large can an attached ADU for a multifamily building be in San Diego City?
Attached ADUs within multifamily buildings can reach a maximum gross floor area of 1,200 square feet.
How large can a detached ADU for a multifamily building be in San Diego City?
Similar to attached ADUs within multifamily properties, detached ADUs can also have a gross floor area of up to 1,200 square feet.
Can I stack detached ADUs on top of each other?
No. El Cajon did not mention the stacking of ADUs.
Can I attach two ADUs to each other?
No, an ADU should either be attached to an existing family dwelling or an accessory structure.
Can I convert the existing space to an ADU?
Yes, similar to single-family properties, it's possible to convert existing space into an ADU in other property types.
What is the maximum height for an ADU on a property with a multi-family building
In most cases, the height of ADUs in a multi-family development cannot surpass the height limit set by the zoning for the primary building, or 16 feet, whichever is greater. However, in areas where multi-story buildings are allowed, the height may be greater than 16 feet.
What ADU types are allowed to build in San Diego City?
San Diego City allows the construction of several types of ADUs, including:
(A) Detached ADU: A separate structure built independently of the main residence.
(B) Attached ADU: A newly constructed addition that is physically connected to the primary house.
(C) Converted ADU: A transformed non-livable area—such as a garage, shed, or storage unit—converted into a livable space with a kitchen or kitchenette and a bathroom.
Converting existing structures into ADUs offers more design options because setback and height restrictions are typically not applicable. These buildings can also be expanded to create more space, but remodeling older structures may uncover unforeseen 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 San Diego City?
ADUs that are higher than 16 feet or are multi-story require a setback of 4 feet for both the interior side yard and rear yard, which applies to all properties, including corner lots.
What is the minimum distance the ADU must have from existing structures?
Detached dwellings are required to maintain a minimum distance of 6 feet between existing structures, and 3 feet between any dwelling and any detached, non-habitable accessory building.
Are setbacks required when converting existing structures into ADU?
Yes, setbacks are required when converting existing structures into ADUs, following the original structure's setbacks.
Can I build an ADU in the front yard of my house in San Diego City?
Yes, but only if there’s no other suitable location on the property for an ADU of at least 800 square feet. You should follow the required zoning setbacks.
Design requirements for ADU
How many bedrooms can an ADU have?
An ADU should have a minimum of one bedroom as part of its accommodation.
Does an ADU need to have a kitchen?
Yes, an ADU is required to have a permanent, full-sized kitchen. For accessibility purposes, an ADU should include at least one accessible kitchen space.
Does an ADU require independent utility meters?
Yes. If the utility company serving the primary residence requests it, the ADU needs to have its own separate water, sewer, or electrical connection from that utility.
What is the minimum ceiling height?
In San Diego City, new residential spaces, including ADUs, should have a minimum ceiling height of 7 feet, as required 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 San Diego City?
An ADU is required to have one parking space. If a garage, carport, or covered parking structure is removed during ADU construction or conversion, there's no need to replace the parking spaces.
Where can I have a parking space on my property?
Parking can be within the setbacks or in an existing driveway, using tandem parking.
How to get permits for your ADU
How long does it take to get an ADU permit in San Diego City?
The plan review process takes approximately 3 months. Once approved, the project progresses to the "issuance" stage, which typically takes an additional 3 weeks. This sums up the overall timeline for the permitting process in San Diego City, which is significantly shorter compared to Chula Vista's approximate six-month process duration. Plan checks for ADU projects in San Diego City are estimated to cost $842.
Does San Diego City require in-person submission of plans for an ADU?
No. The City offers "Permit Ready ADU Building Plans" and a digital application portal on its website.
Does San Diego City require coastal development permits?
Yes, if an ADU is within the coastal zone, it may require obtaining a coastal development permit.
When do you need a licensed professional to design an ADU in San Diego City?
In San Diego City, whether you need to hire a licensed professional to design an ADU is determined by the project's complexity.
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How much does it cost to build an ADU in San Diego City?
Building an ADU in San Diego City typically costs around $325 per square foot. In addition to construction expenses, you'll need to budget for soft costs such as permits, architects, and engineers. For example, a 900-square-foot ADU would total approximately $330,000, including both hard and soft costs.
Is it profitable to build an ADU in San Diego City?
The profitability of constructing an ADU in San Diego City depends on construction costs and local real estate market values. A 900-square-foot ADU in neighborhoods like San Ysidro has an estimated market value of about $710,000, with total project costs averaging $330,000, resulting in a potential return on investment of approximately 115%.
Evaluating profitability can also consider factors such as rental income potential or personal use benefits, such as accommodating family members on your property.
Can you sell an ADU in San Diego City?
California's AB 1033 allows local governments to establish regulations for selling ADUs and primary residences as condominiums, provided they comply with current development standards.
In San Diego City, the sale of ADUs is subject to local regulations. An ADU can be sold if it was constructed by an accredited nonprofit organization, if there is a valid tenancy-in-common agreement, or if the city allows the separate sale of the ADU and the primary residence as distinct condominiums.
Are ADUs rent-controlled in San Diego City?
No, ADUs in San Diego City are not under rent control since they're considered new construction. Landlords can increase rents annually according to AB 1482. However, this rule only applies to structures that are at least 15 years old.
How do I get money to build an ADU in San Diego City?
The San Diego Housing Commission (SDHC) offers the ADU Finance Program to assist moderate-income homeowners in constructing ADUs. This program provides construction-to-permanent loans of up to $250,000 and free technical assistance throughout the building process. Homes built under this program must maintain affordable rent for seven years, helping to increase property value and generate rental income while contributing to affordable housing in San Diego City.
Find out how much value an ADU could add to your property.
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