ADU rules in San Diego, CA — also called accessory dwelling unit regulations or granny flat ordinances — cover setbacks, owner-occupancy, parking, and permit requirements.
San Diego permits ADUs under SDMC Chapter 14, Article 1, Division 3, consistent with California ADU law (Government Code 65852.2). Single-family lots may have one ADU, one JADU, and one converted ADU. No owner-occupancy requirement. Permit timeline typically 3-5 months. SB 1211 (2024) allows up to 8 ADUs.
San Diego's ADU regulations follow SDMC Chapter 14, Article 1, Division 3 and California Government Code 65852.2. On single-family lots: one detached or attached ADU (up to 1,200 sq ft for detached, 50% of primary for attached), one JADU (150-500 sq ft within the primary unit or attached garage), and one converted ADU (garage or non-livable space conversion) are permitted. Multi-family properties may convert existing non-livable spaces to ADUs (up to 25% of existing units). ADUs have a 4-foot rear and side setback. No minimum lot size. No owner-occupancy requirement (per state law). No parking required for ADUs (per state law). Impact fees waived for ADUs under 750 sq ft. JADUs must have an efficiency kitchen and may share a bathroom with the primary unit. SB 1211 (signed September 2024, effective January 2025) allows up to 8 ADUs on qualifying lots. Permit processing typically 3-5 months.
Unpermitted ADUs subject to code enforcement. The City offers a process to legalize unpermitted ADUs under Information Bulletin 242. Fines for unpermitted construction.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in San Diego County.
See how other cities in San Diego County handle adu rules.
See how San Diego's adu rules rules stack up against other locations.
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