San Diego, CA Accessory Structures: ADU Rental Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Minimum ADU rental term
- 31 consecutive days
- JADUs
- No minimum-stay limit
- Rule source
- Zoning code, not STRO
- Applies
- Citywide, all base zones
Summary
San Diego bars renting an accessory dwelling unit for stays shorter than 31 consecutive days, closing off short-term vacation rental use of ADUs while leaving JADUs free of any minimum-stay limit.
An ADU shall not be used for a rental term of less than 31 consecutive days. JADUs are not subject to rental term limitations.
9) ADUs and JADUs allowed under state law shall be exempt from the Climate Action Plan Consistency regulations in accordance with
Full Breakdown
SDMC Section 141.0302(a)(8) sets a flat floor under ADU rentals: an ADU shall not be used for a rental term of less than 31 consecutive days. That blocks nightly or weekly Airbnb-style bookings in a backyard ADU citywide, regardless of zone or STRO licensing, because the restriction lives in the zoning code itself rather than the short-term rental ordinance. Junior ADUs are carved out expressly, the same subsection states JADUs are not subject to rental term limitations.
Violations & Fines
Advertising or renting an ADU for stays under 31 days is a zoning violation Code Enforcement can cite, separate from any short-term rental permit issue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent my San Diego ADU on Airbnb for a weekend?
Does the 31-day minimum apply to a JADU too?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Diego
California rules heatmap·Compare San Diego to another location·View the California accessory structures overview
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ADU Rental Restrictions in Nearby Cities
How other cities in San Diego County handle adu rental restrictions.