San Diego, CA Accessory Structures: ADU Rules (2026)
ADU rules in San Diego, CA, also called accessory dwelling unit regulations or granny flat ordinances, cover setbacks, owner-occupancy, parking, and permit requirements.
Key Facts
- Max Detached ADU
- 1,200 sq ft
- JADU Size
- 150-500 sq ft
- Rear/Side Setback
- 4 feet
- Parking
- Not required
- SB 1211 (2025)
- Up to 8 ADUs
Summary
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.
An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is an attached or detached residential dwelling unit that: Is 1,200 square feet in size or less; and Provides complete independent living facilities for one or more persons, including permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation; and Is located on a lot with a proposed or existing single-dwelling unit or multiple-dwelling units. [...] The minimum gross floor area for an attached or detached ADU is 150 square feet. The maximum gross floor area for an attached or detached ADU is 1,200 square feet. [...] On lots that permit single-dwelling unit development but not multiple-dwelling unit development, detached ADU structures and ADUs attached to an existing accessory structure shall not exceed two stories. ADUs shall comply with the overall maximum structure height of the underlying base zone and overlay zone. [...] No parking spaces are required for ADUs outside of the Coastal Overlay Zone. [...] The property owner is not required to live on-site. An ADU may not be leased for a term of less than 31 consecutive days.
Full Breakdown
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.
Violations & Fines
Unpermitted ADUs subject to code enforcement. The City offers a process to legalize unpermitted ADUs under Information Bulletin 242. Fines for unpermitted construction.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many ADUs can I build in San Diego?
Do I need to live on the property to build an ADU?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Diego
How San Diego compares: Easiest Cities to Build an ADU·California rules heatmap·Compare San Diego to another location·View the California accessory structures overview
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ADU Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in San Diego County handle adu rules.