San Diego ADU zoning laws are meant to guide you on acceptable methods of land use within the city. When building your ADU, you ought to follow these zone rules. These rules are not complicated as such, and usually, you will have the assistance of ADU experts in San Diego.
Here at ADU Contractor, we have a team of licensed contractors and designers who will work closely with you to ensure your ADU is functional, aesthetically pleasing and compliant with San Diego ADU zoning regulations.
Trust us to handle the complexities of ADU construction. We will do the heavy part so that you enjoy a space that meets your expectations.
San Diego ADU zoning regulations concerning setback is as follows:
Usually, no setback is required if an ADU is converted from an existing structure (except for fire safety reasons). However, regular setback and height regulations of the zoning ordinances should be followed if you wish to add any new addition to the ADU, such as a garage, carport, patio or other accessory structures.
If an ADU is being constructed above a detached accessory structure, a setback of at least 4’ is needed from the side and rear lot lines. This setback only applies to the added space above the accessory structure. The ADU can be built fully or partly and can also extend beyond the accessory structure walls.
Also, San Diego ADU zoning law for new units requires all ADUs to comply with the front and exterior side yard setbacks. If the ADU is attached to the primary residence, it must comply with the main building setbacks.
For single-family residence, the total floor area for an attached ADU should be up to 50% of the floor area or up to a maximum of 1,200 square feet. A detached ADU from the single-family residence may have a maximum of 1,200 square feet, regardless of the total floor area of the main residence.
The smallest size for an attached or detached ADU in San Diego is 150 square feet.
Here is an example of the allowable ADU sizes:
| Size of existing single-family residence (SFD) | Maximum size for a detached ADU | Maximum for a attached ADU (up to 50% of SFD) |
| 1,800 sq. ft | 1,200 sq. ft. | 900 sq. ft. |
| 2,000 sq. ft | 1,200 sq. ft. | 1,000 sq. ft. |
| 3,200sq. ft | 1,200 sq. ft. | 1,200 sq. ft. |
| 4,400 sq. ft | 1,200 sq. ft. | 1,200 sq. ft. |
San Diego ADU zoning laws require an ADU to have one parking space. The parking space should be built in an existing driveway and within the setbacks. When a garage, carport or covered parking structure is converted into an ADU or demolished to construct an ADU, a parking space does not need to be replaced.
A parking space is not required if the ADU is located within half a mile of public transit or in an architecturally and historically significant historic district.
If you are on the move to building an ADU, consider working with ADU Contractors. Our experienced contractors work diligently to ensure your ADU is built to the highest standards, using quality materials and construction techniques.
We stay up-to-date with the latest zoning laws, building codes, and permit processes in San Diego, ensuring that your ADU project is compliant and meets all necessary regulations. Contact us today at 877-747-1635 and let us streamline your ADU construction process.
Yes, you can convert an existing space into an ADU in San Diego. ADU builders in San Diego can help you convert underutilized spaces, such as a garage or a portion of your main house, into a separate accessory dwelling unit.
You may add up to two detached ADUs for multifamily properties in San Diego. You may also convert up to 25% of the total residential habitable space to ADUs. And you may also convert all the non-habitable space to ADUs.
In San Diego, you cannot use your ADU for short term rental purposes. You can rent the ADU, but it should be for 30 days or more.
A detached ADU is limited to 24’ in height in San Diego. However, there is an exception for multifamily properties.
