El Cajon processes ADU and JADU applications ministerially through the Community Development Department under ECMC Title 17 and California Government Code §65852.2. State law caps review at 60 days from a complete application. Detached ADUs are allowed up to 1,200 sq ft and JADUs up to 500 sq ft, with the by-right 4-foot side and rear setbacks for one-story units and a minimum 16-foot height.
The City of El Cajon regulates accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and junior accessory dwelling units (JADUs) under ECMC Title 17 (Zoning Code) consistent with California Government Code §65852.2 and §65852.22. ADU and JADU applications are processed ministerially by the Community Development Department Planning Division and Building & Fire Safety Division — no public hearing or discretionary findings are required, only objective standards. State law caps the decision on a complete application at 60 days under Gov. Code §65852.2(b). Detached ADUs may be built up to 1,200 sq ft; attached ADUs are capped at 50% of the primary dwelling's floor area or 1,200 sq ft (whichever is less), with a state by-right minimum of 800 sq ft and a 16-foot height limit regardless of underlying zone. JADUs are limited to 500 sq ft and must be constructed within the existing or proposed single-family dwelling. Front-yard setbacks follow the underlying R-1, R-2, or R-3 zone; side and rear setbacks for one-story ADUs default to the state 4-foot minimum. ADUs must comply with the California Building, Residential, Plumbing, Mechanical, and Electrical Codes adopted under ECMC Title 15, plus Title 24 energy and CalGreen standards. Lots in El Cajon's hillside or wildfire-prone areas adjoining the backcountry must also meet California Building Code Chapter 7A WUI ignition-resistant standards.
Building an ADU without a permit violates ECMC Title 15 (Building & Construction) and Title 17 (Zoning). The Code Compliance Division can issue stop-work orders and notices of violation, double permit fees apply on after-the-fact applications, and the Certificate of Occupancy is withheld until inspections close. Daily administrative fines accrue under the city's general penalty provisions.
El Cajon, CA
El Cajon prohibits amplified sound reproduction that disturbs the peace, quiet, or comfort of neighboring residents or businesses. Horn, bell, or mechanical ...
El Cajon, CA
El Cajon addresses barking dogs through general noise provisions and animal control. Animals must be kept so as not to create offensive noise affecting surro...
El Cajon, CA
El Cajon prohibits leaf blower operation between 7 PM and 7 AM within residential zones or 500 feet of them. CA AB 1346 banned the sale of new gas-powered bl...
El Cajon, CA
Industrial and commercial noise in El Cajon is regulated by the zoning performance standards in ECMC Chapter 17.200. Sound levels from any operation or land ...
El Cajon, CA
El Cajon prohibits construction, maintenance, and repair work between 7 PM and 7 AM within residential zones or 500 feet of them. Leaf blowers, mowers, and p...
El Cajon, CA
El Cajon requires paved driveways and off-street parking per ECMC Section 17.245. Off-street parking may not be within 10 feet of a public street, except aut...
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