Chula Vista, CA Accessory Structures: ADU Impact Fees (2026)
Key Facts
- Full DIF exemption
- ADUs under 750 sq ft
- Partial DIF charge
- ADUs 750+ sq ft, proportional
- SFD benchmark fee
- $11,175/unit (Oct. 2019 base)
- Park in-lieu fee
- ADUs/JADUs fully exempt
- Fee timing
- Rate set at date of payment
Summary
Chula Vista exempts accessory dwelling units under 750 square feet from its Public Facilities Development Impact Fee and from parkland in-lieu fees. ADUs of 750 square feet or larger are charged proportionately to the primary dwelling's square footage rather than the full per-unit fee.
Accessory Dwelling Units smaller than 750 square feet are exempt from the provisions of the Fee, pursuant to California Government Code Section 65852.2(f)(3)(A). [CVMC 3.50.100(D)] ... Accessory Dwelling Units 750 square feet or larger shall be charged proportionately in relation to the square footage of the primary dwelling unit on the lot. [CVMC 3.50.060] ... "Accessory Dwelling Units" and "Junior Accessory Dwelling Units," as defined in CVMC 19.58.022 and 19.58.023, respectively, are exempt from payment of in-lieu fees for parkland dedication and park development as they offer lower-cost housing supply to low- and moderate-income families. [CVMC 17.10.070(C)]
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 3623, passed May 19, 2026).
Full Breakdown
030. 090; an ADU's proportional share is calculated off those base figures using its square footage ratio to the primary unit. " Together, the two chapters mean a sub-750-square-foot ADU owner pays neither the Public Facilities DIF nor the park in-lieu fee, while a larger ADU pays a size-proportional share of the Public Facilities DIF only. 070 are calculated at the rate in effect on the date of payment, which is typically due before building permit issuance.
Violations & Fines
These sections describe fee assessment and exemption criteria rather than penalties; failure to pay an assessed, non-exempt DIF or in-lieu fee blocks building permit issuance and, per CVMC 17.10.100(A), the City may withhold final inspection, certificates of occupancy, or further permits on the property until the required fees are received.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Chula Vista charge development impact fees on ADUs?
Do ADUs owe parkland dedication in-lieu fees?
How much is the Public Facilities DIF for a full single-family home in Chula Vista?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Chula Vista
California rules heatmap·Compare Chula Vista to another location·View the California accessory structures overview
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ADU Impact Fees in Nearby Cities
How other cities in San Diego County handle adu impact fees.