ADU Rules: Bostonia vs Escondido
How do adu rules rules compare between Bostonia, CA and Escondido, CA?
Bostonia and Escondido have similar restriction levels.
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 →Escondido, CA
San Diego County
Escondido regulates ADUs and JADUs under Article 70 of the Escondido Zoning Code (Ch. 33, §33-1474 Development Standards). ADUs are capped at 1,000 sq ft (with the living area not exceeding 50% of the primary dwelling), and JADUs at 500 sq ft within the existing single-family structure.
View full Escondido rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Bostonia | Escondido |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 500 sq ft |
| Side/Rear Setback | 4 ft minimum + fire setbacks | 4 ft (5 ft above garage) |
| Code Section | - | Escondido Zoning Code Art. 70 (§33-1474) |
| Max ADU | - | 1,000 sq ft (50% of primary) |
| Height Allowance | - | 16 ft regardless of zone |
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.
Escondido FAQ
How big can my Escondido ADU be?
Per §33-1474, ADUs are capped at 1,000 sq ft and the living area cannot exceed 50% of the primary dwelling. JADUs are capped at 500 sq ft within the walls of the existing single-family home.
Does Escondido require parking for my ADU?
No. §33-1474(c)(1) of the Escondido ADU Ordinance states that no parking is required for ADUs, consistent with California Government Code §65852.2.
Can I list my Escondido ADU on Airbnb?
No. Escondido requires ADU rental terms of 30 days or longer, so short-term vacation rental use is not permitted.
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