Faced with a major housing crisis, the California Senate passed Government Code 65852.2 January 1, 2017, stipulating that any lot with a single-family house can now build a 2nd rentable unit, better known as a granny flat.
This essentially allows homeowners to turn their single-family residence into a duplex.
Here’s everything you need to know about granny flat regulations in San Diego.
With low mortgage rates, strong existing home sales, soaring rental prices, and healthy economic growth San Diegans are looking for more ways to maximize their property. In fact, 2017 saw the strongest spending in construction projects, nationwide, since 1994.
San Diego has passed a local ordinance that replaces the state law.
Chat with an ADU expert…call 888-461-3884
So what are the Current Accessory Dwelling Unit Regulations in San Diego:
San Diego refers to accessory dwelling units as companion units. You may see this abbreviated to “CU” in their official government documents.
- Accessory Dwelling Units can take one of three forms:
- Detached: Unit is separated from the primary structure.
- Attached: Unit is attached to the primary structure. So the accessory dwelling unit would be built onto an existing home, but maintain its own kitchen, bath, and private entrance.
- Repurposed Existing: Space within a primary residence that is converted into an independent living unit, like a garage conversion.
- Any single-family residence that is zoned for Single Family residential can build an accessory dwelling unit. Some multi-family zoned lots can build an ADU, but check before you start.
- The accessory dwelling unit cannot be sold separately from the main home, but is always rentable.
- Fire sprinklers are not required for an attached accessory dwelling unit unless they are required for the primary residence. (This saves homeowners around 7K!)
- The lot doesn’t have any code violations. This must be resolved prior to permits.
- An attached accessory dwelling unit cannot exceed 50% of the primary residence, up to 1,200 square feet. For example, if your existing house in 2,500 sq. ft., the attached ADU cannot exceed 1,200 sq. ft. in size.
- Any existing legal structure can be converted into an accessory dwelling unit. This is great for homeowners looking to maximize their garage! In fact, an existing permitted garage doesn’t have to comply with any additional setback requirements.
- Fees must be proportional to the structure being built. San Diego just passed the waiver of development and impact fees saving San Diegans an average of $17,000!
- Short-term vacation rentals are not allowed in the ADU.
- Both the primary and the ADU are rentable because owner occupancy is not a requirement.
Setback Requirements for Accessory Dwelling Unit Regulations in San Diego
- There are no setback requirements when converting an existing structure, like a garage!
- An ADU attached to the primary residence must comply with the required main building setbacks.
- A 2-story ADU can encroach on the rear and side setbacks.
- There are not requirements for how far an ADU has to be from the main dwelling.
Parking Requirements for Accessory Dwelling Unit Regulations in San Diego
- A new ADU shall provide .5 parking space per 1 bedroom. These spaces may be provided as tandem parking and can be located in the driveway.
- Homeowners must add one parking spot if the garage is converted, but it can be located anywhere on the property, and it can also be in a driveway or tandem.
- Parking spaces must be 8 ft. X 18 ft. Compact parking is not allowed.
- Parking is NOT required if you live within half a mile of public transit. (orange in the map below designates public transit zones)
- Parking is NOT required if you live in a historic district.
- Parking is NOT required if the accessory dwelling unit is part of an existing primary residence. (For example, you are converting an existing basement or another part of your home).
- Parking is NOT required if you live within one block of a car share area.
Lets Discuss Your ADU…Call 888-461-3884
How do I tell if I’m Near Transit?
Many lots in San Diego are within a half-mile of transit so that ADU parking will not be required. Check to see if your lot appears to be within a half-mile radius of a bus stop, rail station, or a dedicated space where a shared-vehicle is parked.
If this seems overwhelming, our granny flat experts will be able to tell you if this applies to you. Sign up for a free phone consultation today to get started.
Additional Accessory Dwelling Unit Regulations in San Diego
- Fire sprinklers are not required for accessory dwelling units if not required for the primary residence.
- Existing structures (attached/detached) converted to CUs with the appropriate meter size are not subject to additional water/sewer fees.
Owner Occupancy Accessory Dwelling Unit Regulations in San Diego
- Owner-occupancy is not required in the city of San Diego, nor San Diego County.
- There are also owner occupancy requirements for:
- Chula Vista
- Coronado
- El Cajon
- Del Mar
- Solana Beach
- Encinitas
- Escondido
- Carlsbad
Wondering what your next steps are? Download the granny flat resource packet. If you still have questions about Granny Flat Regulations in San Diego comment below!
Not a San Diego resident? Check out the specifics of your city in our regulations portal!
Plan, hire, and manage your ADU project with Maxable.
At Maxable, we believe that building an ADU should be fun and exciting. You shouldn’t have to be the one to deal with confusing obstacles like permitting snafus or ever-changing regulations. We’ll be by your side every step of the way and connect you to experienced designers and general contractors in your area to make sure your project goes as smoothly as possible.
Leave the headaches to us! Check your address and see what Maxable can do for your home during a free ADU Planning Call.
