ADU Rule Changes Could Affect Your Property Plans — Find Out How

🏘️ San Diego ADU Bonus Program Gets a Major Overhaul: What You Need to Know

Last week, the San Diego City Council approved a series of important changes to the city’s Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Bonus Program, tightening regulations and introducing new limits on future development. These updates come in response to concerns raised by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), and the Council ultimately passed the new rules by a narrow 5–4 vote.

Here’s a breakdown of the key changes — and what to expect moving forward:

🔢 New Limits on the Number of ADUs per Lot

Until now, San Diego allowed ADUs based solely on zoning requirements like lot size and height — there was no cap on the total number of units. That’s changing:

• 🏡 Lots up to 8,000 sq ft: Max of 4 ADUs
• 🏡 8,001–10,000 sq ft: Max of 5 ADUs
• 🏡 Over 10,000 sq ft: Max of 6 ADUs

🚧 New Fees and Parking Requirements

To offset the impact of additional units, the city is implementing:

• Infrastructure impact fees for new ADUs
• Mandatory on-site parking for detached ADUs not located near public transit

🌲 Restrictions in Sensitive Zones

Projects will now face new limitations in high-risk areas:

• Cul-de-sacs
• Wildfire hazard zones

In many cases, ADU bonuses will either be tightly restricted or outright banned in these locations.

🏗️ Height Limitations for Bonus ADUs

Another notable update: All detached bonus ADUs are now limited to two stories. Any plans for three-story structures are officially off the table.

🏘️ You Can Now Sell an ADU Separately

A positive shift for some: homeowners will now be permitted to sell ADUs as separate condo units, a move that could encourage more creative financing and homeownership opportunities.

🏝️ No Rollbacks in Affluent Neighborhoods

Due to pushback from state housing officials, the rollback of the ADU bonus program will not apply in certain affluent, lower-density areas — including:

• Point Loma
• La Jolla
• Del Mar Heights

⏳ What’s Next?

• The revised ordinance must go through a second City Council vote in mid-July, followed by the Mayor’s signature.
• If approved, the new rules could take effect as early as August — but only in non-coastal areas.
• For coastal zones, the California Coastal Commission will still need to approve the changes, which could take until 2026.

⚠️ Important Note for Homeowners and Developers:

If you’re planning to submit an ADU application, do so before the new rules take effect. Projects submitted early will be reviewed under the current, more flexible guidelines.

📞 Have Questions About Building or Buying Property with ADU Potential?

Let’s talk. Whether you’re a homeowner looking to build or an investor exploring new opportunities in San Diego’s evolving housing landscape, I can help guide you through the process.