San Diego Is Ready For Your ADU!
A quick search of Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) regulations in San Diego could be enough to turn you off of the idea completely. Even just reading through the number of requirements for new ADU builds in the county can be overwhelming for many owners considering this option. However, if you take a closer look at the policies surrounding ADUs in San Diego, you’ll see that the county stands out among its California peers for its unique efforts to ease the process for owners and encourage new construction. In addition to its regulation changes over time, San Diego has taken a progressive approach to ADUs, creating both a handbook and fact sheet to educate prospective owners about their options. Through this transparency, San Diego has positioned itself among the top counties to build an ADU for owners and communities.
San Diego has eliminated its owner occupancy requirements, meaning that you can lease out both your main dwelling and your ADU as long as your ADU permit is approved prior to 2025. This update has opened a world of possibilities for both new and long-time real estate investors hoping to break into the San Diego housing market or to increase the value of their properties. This, in tandem with the benefits of adding housing to San Diego’s already scarce rental market, make ADUs an especially attractive option for local owners. Additionally, San Diego has eased parking requirements for properties located in a “transit priority zone” (within 1/2 mile of public transit). While encouraging the environmental benefits of traveling via public transportation, this policy helps to reduce a logistical stressor of finding space for an additional parking spot in already crowded communities. That said, in other jurisdictions, one spot per backyard home may be required, while others may waive these requirements.
To decrease the logistical barriers, the City of San Diego has waived all development impact fees for ADUs, regardless of size. Though some fees will be required with new ADU builds, OneStop ADU is experienced in working within the crucial thresholds for square footage that can trigger higher costs such as sewer connection and impact fees in various jurisdictions.
Sifting through all the necessary regulations for your ADU can be stressful, confusing, and time-consuming. That said, San Diego’s history of policies surrounding ADUs works to encourage owners to build and attempts to break down financial and logistical barriers to construction. OneStop ADU is a valuable partner for owners considering whether to take the leap into building an ADU in San Diego. To read up on current regulations and see ways we can support you through the process, visit our website onestopadu.com.
If you have questions or would like to schedule an in-person meeting and complimentary feasibility study of your property, contact us by phone at 858-437-8476, or email us at info@onestopadu.com.
