ADU Impact Fees: Chula Vista vs San Diego
How do adu impact fees rules compare between Chula Vista, CA and San Diego, CA?
Chula Vista and San Diego 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 →San Diego, CA
San Diego County
San Diego exempts ADUs under 750 square feet from all impact fees per California Government Code § 65852.2(f). ADUs 750 sq ft or larger pay impact fees proportionate to the principal dwelling's square footage. Affordable ADUs deed-restricted for low/moderate-income tenants receive additional fee waivers. School fees are separately governed by SB 13 (2019) and state law.
View full San Diego rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chula Vista | San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| Under 750 sq ft | All impact fees waived | ALL impact fees waived (state law) |
| 750+ sq ft | Proportional to primary dwelling | Proportional to principal dwelling |
| State Law | Gov. Code §65852.2(f) | Gov. Code § 65852.2(f) |
| School Fees | Proportional (SB 13) | Proportional under SB 13 |
| Water Service | Sweetwater Authority / Otay Water | - |
| Affordable Bonus | - | Additional waivers for deed-restricted ADUs |
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.
San Diego FAQ
Are ADU impact fees waived in San Diego?
Yes for ADUs under 750 sq ft — all local impact fees are waived by state law (Gov. Code § 65852.2(f)). ADUs 750 sq ft+ pay proportional fees, not full single-family rates.
How much can I save by building under 750 square feet?
Impact fees in San Diego typically total $10,000–$30,000 for a new single-family unit. Building under 750 sq ft eliminates this entirely. Permit fees, plan-check, and utility service fees still apply.
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