ADU Impact Fees: Chula Vista vs El Cajon
How do adu impact fees rules compare between Chula Vista, CA and El Cajon, CA?
Chula Vista and El Cajon have similar restriction levels.
Chula Vista, CA
San Diego County
Chula Vista waives all local impact fees on ADUs under 750 sq ft per California Government Code §65852.2(f)(3). ADUs 750 sq ft or larger pay impact fees proportional to the primary dwelling square footage. Standard building permit and plan-check fees still apply through the Development Services Department fee schedule. School district fees follow SB 13 (2019) proportional rules.
View full Chula Vista rules →El Cajon, CA
San Diego County
El Cajon waives all local impact fees on ADUs under 750 sq ft per California Government Code §65852.2(f)(3). ADUs 750 sq ft or larger pay impact fees proportional to the primary dwelling's square footage. Standard building permit and plan-check fees still apply through the Community Development Department fee schedule, and school district fees follow SB 13 proportional rules.
View full El Cajon rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chula Vista | El Cajon |
|---|---|---|
| Under 750 sq ft | All impact fees waived | All local impact fees waived |
| 750+ sq ft | Proportional to primary dwelling | Proportional to primary dwelling |
| State Law | Gov. Code §65852.2(f) | Gov. Code §65852.2(f) |
| School Fees | Proportional (SB 13) | Proportional (SB 13) |
| Water Service | Sweetwater Authority / Otay Water | Helix Water District / Otay Water |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Chula Vista FAQ
Are ADU impact fees waived in Chula Vista?
Yes for ADUs under 750 sq ft. California Gov. Code §65852.2(f)(3) preempts all local impact fees on small ADUs. ADUs 750 sq ft or larger pay proportionally based on the principal dwelling's size, not the full single-family rate.
What ADU costs still apply in Chula Vista?
Standard building permit fees (based on construction valuation), plan-check fees, and water/sewer connection fees from Sweetwater Authority or Otay Water District if a new connection is needed. Property taxes will reassess on the added improvement value.
El Cajon FAQ
Are ADU impact fees waived in El Cajon?
Yes for ADUs under 750 sq ft. California Gov. Code §65852.2(f)(3) preempts all local impact fees on small ADUs. ADUs 750 sq ft or larger pay proportionally based on the principal dwelling's size, not the full single-family rate.
What ADU costs still apply in El Cajon?
Standard building permit fees (construction-valuation based), plan-check fees, and water and sewer capacity charges from Helix Water District or Otay Water District if a new connection is required. Property taxes will reassess on the added improvement value.
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