ADU Permits: El Cajon vs Fallbrook
How do adu permits rules compare between El Cajon, CA and Fallbrook, CA?
El Cajon, CA
San Diego County
El Cajon processes ADU and JADU applications ministerially through the Community Development Department under ECMC Title 17 and California Government Code §65852.2. State law caps review at 60 days from a complete application. Detached ADUs are allowed up to 1,200 sq ft and JADUs up to 500 sq ft, with the by-right 4-foot side and rear setbacks for one-story units and a minimum 16-foot height.
View full El Cajon rules →Fallbrook, CA
San Diego County
No data available yet for Fallbrook.
Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | El Cajon | Fallbrook |
|---|---|---|
| Code Section | ECMC Title 17; Gov. Code §65852.2 | - |
| Review | Ministerial, 60-day cap | - |
| Detached Max | 1,200 sq ft | - |
| JADU Max | 500 sq ft | - |
| Setback | 4 ft side/rear (one-story) | - |
| Height | 16 ft standard; up to 25 ft for some attached | - |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
El Cajon FAQ
How long does ADU review take in El Cajon?
California Gov. Code §65852.2(b) caps ministerial review of a complete application at 60 days. The El Cajon Community Development Department reviews ADU permits against ECMC Title 17 objective standards — no public hearing, no discretionary findings, just plan check.
Where do I apply for an ADU permit in El Cajon?
Through the El Cajon Community Development Department's Building & Fire Safety Division. Plans are submitted for combined planning and building review. Pre-approved ADU plan sets, where offered, can shorten architectural plan check.
Fallbrook FAQ
No FAQs available.
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