ADU Rules: Bostonia vs Encinitas
How do adu rules rules compare between Bostonia, CA and Encinitas, CA?
Bostonia has fewer restrictions than Encinitas.
Bostonia, CA
San Diego County
Bostonia is an unincorporated CDP in San Diego County (adjacent to El Cajon) governed by the San Diego County Zoning Ordinance §6156 (Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units), not a city ordinance. The County allows one ADU plus one JADU on single-family lots; non-conforming multifamily complexes may have up to two detached ADUs OR conversion ADUs created within the existing complex.
View full Bostonia rules →Encinitas, CA
San Diego County
Encinitas permits ADUs on residential lots in compliance with California ADU law (Government Code Sections 65852.2 and 65852.22). Junior ADUs up to 500 square feet and standard ADUs up to 1,200 square feet are allowed. The city must approve compliant applications ministerially without discretionary review. Coastal zone properties may require a Coastal Development Permit.
View full Encinitas rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Bostonia | Encinitas |
|---|---|---|
| Governing Code | San Diego Co. Zoning Ord. §6156 | - |
| Max Attached ADU | 1,200 sq ft (50% rule applies) | - |
| Max Detached ADU | 1,200 sq ft | - |
| Max JADU | 500 sq ft | - |
| Side/Rear Setback | 4 ft minimum + fire setbacks | - |
| Max Size (Detached) | - | 1,200 sq ft |
| JADU Max Size | - | 500 sq ft within existing home |
| Setbacks | - | 4 feet side and rear |
| Approval Timeline | - | 60 days ministerial review |
| Coastal Zone | - | CDP may be required |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Bostonia FAQ
Who regulates ADUs in Bostonia?
Bostonia is unincorporated San Diego County, so the San Diego County Department of Planning & Development Services regulates ADUs under Zoning Ordinance §6156, not the City of El Cajon.
How big can my Bostonia ADU be?
Under §6156, detached ADUs may be up to 1,200 sq ft and attached ADUs up to 50% of the primary dwelling capped at 1,200 sq ft (at least 800 sq ft must always be allowed). JADUs are capped at 500 sq ft within the existing single-family dwelling.
Can a Bostonia multifamily complex add ADUs?
Yes, but only one approach per property: up to two detached ADUs OR conversion ADUs created within the existing multifamily complex, not both, per §6156.
Encinitas FAQ
Can I build an ADU in Encinitas?
Yes. California law requires all residential lots to allow at least one ADU. Encinitas must approve compliant applications ministerially within 60 days. Detached ADUs may be up to 1,200 square feet with 4-foot side and rear setbacks.
Do I need a Coastal Development Permit for an ADU in Encinitas?
Properties in the coastal zone may require a CDP in addition to the building permit. The city has adopted local coastal program amendments to address ADU permitting in the coastal zone. Contact Development Services to determine if your property is affected.
Does my ADU need to have parking?
No parking is required for ADUs within half a mile of public transit, or for converted existing structures, or if there is a car-share vehicle within a block. State law significantly limits parking requirements for ADUs.
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