Escondido, CA Accessory Structures: ADU Permits (2026)

Escondido adopted updated ADU regulations through Article 70 of Title 33 (Zoning) to align with California Government Code §65852.2 and §65852.22. Applications are reviewed ministerially — no public hearing, no discretionary findings, only objective design and development standards apply. State law caps review at 60 days from a complete application. Detached ADUs may reach 1,200 sq ft; attached ADUs are capped at 50% of the primary dwelling or 1,200 sq ft, with an 800 sq ft floor permitted by state by-right rule. Article 70 honors the state-mandated 4-foot side and rear setback and the 16-foot height limit for standard detached ADUs (up to 18-25 feet near transit or for two-story attached units per Gov. Code §65852.2(a)(1)(D)). JADUs up to 500 sq ft are permitted within an existing or proposed single-family dwelling, subject to limited 150 sq ft expansion outside the existing footprint. Applications are filed through the Escondido Planning Division at City Hall. All ADUs must comply with the California Residential Code, Title 24 energy standards, and CalGreen. Properties in Escondido's hillside or Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) areas trigger additional fire-resistant construction requirements under the California Fire Code adopted in Chapter 11.