City ADU planning guide

San Diego ADU regulations and next steps

Start with the most important planning decisions, then review the detailed city rules below before choosing a detached ADU plan or requesting a property-specific feasibility review.

San Diego ADU rules overview

Detailed local requirements vary by property. Use this section as a starting point for setbacks, parking, height, utilities, and approval considerations.

Lot fit

Setbacks and buildable area

Start with rear and side setbacks, lot coverage, access, and where a detached ADU can realistically sit on the property.

Design limits

Size, height, and unit type

Check whether the property is better suited for a detached ADU, attached ADU, garage conversion, or junior ADU.

Approvals

Parking, utilities, and permits

Confirm parking exemptions, utility connection requirements, impact fees, and city review steps before finalizing plans.

City of San Diego:

  • Size ADUs must be at least 150 square feet and can be up to 1,200 square feet.
  • Parking No parking is required for ADUs outside of the Coastal Overlay Zone. In the Coastal Overlay Zone, one off-street parking space may be required, depending on the location and size of the ADU.
  • Setbacks ADUs must comply with the front yard setbacks of the underlying zone, and can have zero side and rear setbacks for ADUs up to 16 feet in height. For taller ADUs, 4-foot side and rear setbacks are required.
  • Height
    • Attached ADUs The height of an attached ADU is generally limited by the height of the primary dwelling unit.
    • Detached ADUs
      • Standard Height: Typically, detached ADUs can be up to 2 stories or 25 feet in height.
      • Taller ADUs: In some cases, taller ADUs may be permitted, but they must comply with specific setback requirements and zoning regulations.
    • Sprinklers Attached ADUs must have sprinkler protection if the primary dwelling unit is sprinkler-protected.It's important to note that these are just general guidelines, and specific regulations may vary depending on the location of your property and the type of ADU you are planning to build. It's always best to consult with a local planning official or architect to get the most accurate and up-to-date information.

    Here are some additional resources that may be helpful:

    • City of San Diego ADU Information
      • https://www.sandiego.gov/development-services/forms-publications/information-bulletins/400
    • County of San Diego ADU Information
      • https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/sdc/pds/bldg/adu.html.html
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