Chula Vista ADU Requirements

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) | City of Chula Vista Please enable JavaScript in your browser for a better user experience. Accessory Dwelling Units or “ADUs” and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units ("JADUs") are alternative housing models that can add to the affordably housing supply. ADUs and JADUs are also commonly known as secondary units, in-law units, granny flats, or backyard cottages. They are important dwellings in a neighborhood that offer an innovative, affordable and a well-suited housing option for couples, small families, friends, young people, seniors and family members. Compare the differences and choose the right fit for you: Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit (JADU) Guest House Attached or detached residential unit Contained within the existing structure, inclusive of an existing bedroom Interior entry to the main/principal home Detached living quarters Permanent and independent living Permanent living Occasional guests of the occupants of the main home. Max stay of 90 days, no renting or leasing. No owner-occupancy required

Owner-occupancy (Deed Restriction) required No owner-occupancy required Kitchen & Bathroom Efficiency kitchen Separate or shared bathroom with existing home No kitchen or cooking facilities SnapADU City Standard ADU Plans The City worked with SnapADU to provide 12 ADU options, six different sized ADU's with flipped floor plans as an additional option. Depending on the size that you choose, ADU's ranging from one-to-three-bedrooms are available, as well as further customizations such as larger bedrooms or different kitchen layouts. See the different sizes and bedroom options below. To assist applicants, contractors and property owners through the building permit application and plan submittal process, a checklist has been created provide an overview of the additional information that needs to be completed and provided in order for the City to accept City Standard ADU Plans as a complete submittal. This checklist also provides information on additional forms or permits that may be required, contact details for third party agencies, and applicable fees.

This checklist should be included with your application, along with all of the required forms and documentation specified. Please use the link below and review this checklist: Standard ADU Checklist General Energy Compliance: General energy compliance options are available for both climate zones 7 and 10, for slab-on-grade (SOG) and raised foundations (RF), as well as the number of bedrooms specific to your plan. Please choose one of the available options as it pertains to your project. For example, if you have chosen the 748 square-foot long ADU plan with 2 bedrooms and a raised foundation, the appropriate energy documentation for your project would be, 748 Square 2-Bedroom RF. These calculations will need to be updated by an Energy Consultant specific to the location of your project prior to submittal Hold Harmless Agreement and Affidavit: Please be aware that in order to use the City Standard ADU plans, the hold harmless agreement and affidavit must be completed, signed, and submitted with the plans. Hold Harmless Agreement Affidavit

City Standard ADU Plans & Energy Compliance Documentation: 498 Square feet 1-bedroom, Square-shaped Plans: 498 Square Energy compliance documentation: 498 Square (SOG) 498 Square (RF) Plans: 498 Square Reverse Energy compliance documentation: 498 Reverse (SOG) 498 Reverse (RF) 748 Square feet 1- to 2-bedrooms, Rectangle-shaped Plans: 748 Long Energy compliance documentation: 748 Long (SOG) - 1 Bedroom 748 Long (SOG) - 2 Bedroom 748 Long (RF) - 1 Bedroom 748 Long (RF) - 2 Bedroom Plans: 748 Long Reverse Energy compliance documentation: 748 Long Reverse (SOG) - 1 Bedroom 748 Long Reverse (SOG) - 2 Bedroom 748 Long Reverse (RF) - 1 Bedroom 748 Long Reverse (RF) - 2 Bedroom 749 Square feet 1- to 2-bedrooms, Square-shaped Plans: 749 Square Energy compliance documentation: 749 Square (SOG) - 1 Bedroom 749 Square (SOG) - 2 Bedroom 749 Square (RF) - 1 Bedroom 749 Square (RF) - 2 Bedroom Plans: 749 Square Reverse Energy compliance documentation: 749 Square Reverse (SOG) - 1 Bedroom 749 Square Reverse (SOG) - 2 Bedroom 749 Square Reverse (RF) - 1 Bedroom 749 Square Reverse (RF) - 2 Bedroom

749 Square feet 1- to 2-bedrooms, L-shaped Plans: 749 L-Shape Energy compliance documentation: 749 L-Shape (SOG) - 1 Bedroom 749 L-Shape (SOG) - 2 Bedroom 749 L-Shape (RF) - 1 Bedroom 749 L-Shape (RF) - 2 Bedroom Plans: 749 L-Shape Reverse Energy compliance documentation: 749 L-Shape Reverse (SOG) - 1 Bedroom 749 L-Shape Reverse (SOG) - 2 Bedroom 749 L-Shape Reverse (RF) - 1 Bedroom 749 L-Shape Reverse (RF) - 2 Bedroom 999 Square feet 2- to 3-bedrooms, L-shaped Plans: 999 L-Shape Energy compliance documentation: 999 L-Shape (SOG) - 2 Bedrooms 999 L-Shape (RF) - 2 Bedrooms 999 L-Shape (SOG) - 3 Bedrooms 999 L-Shape (RF) - 3 Bedrooms Plans: 999 L-Shape Reverse Energy compliance documentation: 999 L-Shape Reverse (SOG) - 2 Bedrooms 999 L-Shape Reverse (RF) - 2 Bedrooms 999 L-Shape Reverse (SOG) - 3 Bedrooms 999 L-Shape Reverse (RF) - 3 Bedrooms 1,199 Square feet 2- to 3-bedrooms, L-shaped Plans: 1199 L-Shape Energy compliance documentation: 1199 L-Shape (SOG) - 2 Bedrooms 1199 L-Shape (SOG) - 3 Bedrooms 1199 L-Shape (RF) - 2 Bedrooms 1199 L-Shape (RF) - 3 Bedrooms

Plans: 1199 L-Shape Reverse Energy compliance documentation: 1199 L-Shape Reverse (SOG) - 2 Bedrooms 1199 L-Shape Reverse (SOG) - 3 Bedrooms 1199 L-Shape Reverse (RF) - 2 Bedrooms 1199 L-Shape Reverse (RF) - 3 Bedrooms City Standard ADU Plans by Others Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) City Standard Approval Along with our City Standard ADU Plans that were prepared by SnapADU and currently available on the City’s website, the City is now approving other City Standard ADU Plans for detached ADUs that are submitted by designers, architects, builders, and other qualified professionals. Once approved, these ADU plans can be used as a City Standard ADU Plan throughout Chula Vista with an expedited plan review timeline and lower permitting costs. The City’s Development Services Department is currently accepting applications from qualified design professionals. For information on how to apply, please read the “Design Professionals” section below. As the City approves City Standard ADU Plans from design professionals, an active list will be maintained on this website.

A list of City Standard ADU Plans currently approved for use in the City is available below. More information is available in the “Homeowners” section below. For questions, please contact the Development Services Counter at DSD@chulavistaca.gov . For more information about ADU requirements, please view the City’s ADU webpage . Design Professionals The City is currently accepting applications from qualifying design professionals to have their plans for detached accessory dwelling units (ADUs) approved for use throughout Chula Vista. Having your ADU plans approved as a City Standard ADU Plan by the City is a great way to ensure that your future clients can move through the permitting process quickly and smoothly. All City Standard ADU Plans will be featured on this webpage to help connect you with Chula Vista homeowners who are interested in adding an ADU to their property. You will still retain your copyright to the City Standard ADU Plan design so that any homeowner who wishes to use the design must contract with you to do so.

Once your ADU plan is approved by the City, the City Standard ADU Plan will remain valid until the City adopts new building or zoning codes that apply to your ADU plan. The City will notify you when such changes take place and let you know how updated plans can be submitted. The City offers two options to get your ADU plans approved as a City Standard ADU Plan: Concurrent Processing : The City offers a “Concurrent” application so that you can obtain you’re your City Standard ADU Plan approval while you are going through a site-specific plan check. Simply fill out the City Standard ADU Plan Concurrent Processing Request along with your site-specific plan check application. Independent Application : The City also accepts applications for City Standard ADU Plan approval independent of a site-specific plan check. Applications may be submitted online. For form information on how to submit an application, please visit our Online/Electronic Permit Services webpage. Homeowners

Utilizing the City Standard SnapADU Plans or working with a designer that has an approved City Standard ADU Plan is the quickest way for homeowners to add a new ADU to their property in Chula Vista. Here are just some of the advantages to selecting a City Standard ADU Plan: Design Certainty : Know that the basic ADU design you have selected complies with the California Building Code and Citywide design guidelines. Fast Review : Applications using City Standard ADU Plans are reviewed in 14 business days, rather than 21 business days for standard applications. Reduced Fees : Applicants pay approximately $1,000 less in plan review fees versus a full submittal. Additional construction and inspection fees will be applicable. Please refer to the Accessory Dwelling Unit, Detached, Standard (All Plans) line item on the Fee Bulletin 10-400 . Development Impact Fees and School Fees will be charged in accordance with State Law. To use a City Standard ADU plan, you must contract with the designer responsible for the plan set.

All City Standard ADU Plans still require additional site-specific information including but not limited to; site plan, geotechnical report or waiver, energy design, utility connections, and engineering, as applicable. Please refer to the City Standard ADU Plan Submittal Guide , for an overview of what additional information may be required should you use a City Standard ADU Plan. City Standard ADU Plans All City Standard ADU Plans still require additional site-specific plans, studies, and engineering. Homeowners are encouraged to contact the Development Services Department at DSD@chulavistaca.gov to learn more about the requirements for constructing an ADU prior to beginning their project. Along with the City Standard SnapADU Plans, the following City Standard ADU Plans have been approved by the City of Chula Vista. To use a City Standard ADU Plan, homeowners must contract with the designer responsible for the plan set. Contact information for designers with City Standard ADU Plans and sample photos of their ADU designs will be available below as they are approved. Cost and Fees

Q: How much will it cost to build an ADU/JADU? The costs of building an ADU or JADU can vary, depending on the type of unit you are constructing and the complexity of your existing structure. Fees will be required at the time you submit your application and will be collected at different stages along the process. For more information on fees please visit our " How Much will Your Permit Cost " page. Applicable fees may include building permit fees (plan review and inspection), Fire Department plan review, Development Impact Fees (if any), and other fees charged by outside agencies (e.g. school districts, water/sewer districts). Pursuant to California Government Code Section 65852.2(f)(3)(A), Junior Accessory Dwelling Units and Accessory Dwelling Units of less than 750 square feet are exempt from all development impact and in-lieu fees. Accessory Dwelling Units 750 square feet or larger are charged proportionately to the primary residence, on a square footage basis. Q: Are all ADU subject to paying Development Impact Fees?

A: ADU 750 sq ft and above are subject to paying Development Impact Fees. ADU below 750 sq ft are exempt. Q: How will I know how much I will owe in Development Impact Fees? A: A Development Impact Fee estimate will be provided to the permit applicant during the plan check review process. If you would like to request a preliminary estimate prior to applying for a permit, please contact Facilities Financing. Q: I have received my Development Impact Fee estimate, are these fees guaranteed? A: No, the rates on the Development Impact Fee Estimate are not binding. The Development Impact Fee rates are indexed annually October 1st the fees shall be calculated based on the rate in effect at the time of payment. Q: When are Development Impact Fees due? A: The permit applicant has the option of paying the Development Impact Fees at permit issuance or most of the Development Impact Fees, with the exception of Traffic Signal, may be deferred until final inspection. Q: Are the permit fees and school fees included in the Development Impact Fees?

A: No, the permit fees and school fees are not part of the Development Impact Fees collected. Permit related fees will be determined during the permit intake process by DSD Front Counter staff, school fees are calculated by Sweetwater Union High School District and Chula Vista Elementary School district. For more information regarding permit fees and school fees contact the DSD Front Counter DSD@chulavistaca.gov or at 619-476-2332. Facilities Financing Contact Information: FF@chulavistaca.gov For more information visit the Development Impact Fee website General Planning Standards ADU Standards – Single-Family Dwellings Amount One Detached, New Construction ADU One converted or attached ADU (not both). One Junior ADU Size (Maximum) Detached ADU: 1,200 square feet. Converted or Attached ADU: 50 percent or 800 square feet, whichever is greater. Junior ADU: 500 square feet Height (Maximum) Detached ADU 16 feet, if greater than a half-mile of transit. 18 feet if closer than a half-mile to transit (bus stop) 20 feet if height used to match primary residence’s roof pitch.

The additional height is also only applied to ADUs where the maximum height is 18 feet, not 16 feet. No prohibition on second story, but still needs to conform to height limit. Attached ADU: 25 feet or the max. height of the primary structure (see zoning designation), whichever is less; Converted ADU: No height maximum. No prohibition on second story, but still needs to conform to height limit. Setbacks Four (4) feet from side and rear property lines. No separation requirement from structure. Please check with the Building Division regarding hour wall rating requirements. Front yard setback encroachment only if not possible to accommodate 800 square foot ADU from side and rear yard setbacks. Design No design requirements (i.e. ADU must match exact architecture of existing structure). Parking No parking requirements. * See Government Code Sections 66314 to 66323 for more information. ADU Standards – Multi-Family Dwellings Amount Up to Eight (8) Detached, New Construction ADUs. Amount Shall Not Exceed Existing Unit Count.

Converted ADUs (non-habitable space) with Count not to Exceed 25 percent of Existing Units. Size (Maximum) Not Applicable Height (Maximum) Detached ADU(s) 16 feet across the board 18 feet if closer than a half-mile to transit (bus stop) 20 feet if height used to match primary residence’s roof pitch. The additional height is also only applied to ADUs where the maximum height is 18 feet, not 16 feet. No prohibition on second story, but still needs to conform to height limit. 2. Converted ADU(s): Not applicable. Setbacks Four (4) feet from size and rear property lines No separation requirement from structure if it is a detached ADU. Please check with the Building Division regarding hour wall rating requirements. Front yard setback encroachment only if not possible to accommodate 800 square foot ADU from side and rear yard setbacks. Design No design requirements (i.e. ADU must match exact architecture of existing structure). Parking No parking required. * See Government Code Sections 66314 to 66323 for more information. General ADU FAQs Q: What is an accessory dwelling unit (ADU)?

A: “Accessory dwelling unit” means an attached or a detached residential dwelling unit that provides complete independent living facilities for one or more persons and is located on a lot with a proposed or existing primary residence. An ADU shall have exterior access from the proposed or existing single-family dwelling. It shall include permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation on the same parcel as the single-family or multifamily dwelling is or will be situated. An ADU also includes the following: 1. An efficiency unit, as defined in Section 17958.1 of the Health and Safety Code. 2. A manufactured home, as defined in Section 18007 of the Health and Safety Code. (CVMC 19.58.022B) Q: What is a junior accessory dwelling unit (Junior ADU)? A: “Junior accessory dwelling unit” means a unit that is no more than 500 square feet in size and contained entirely within the space of a proposed or existing single-family residence. A Junior ADU may include separate sanitation facilities or may share sanitation facilities with the existing residence.

Q: Can I build a new residence at the same time I build an ADU? A: Yes: Construction of a primary residence can be in conjunction with the construction of an ADU. Construction FAQs Q: What about utilities (water, sewer, electrical) and a separate address for the ADU? A: An ADU may be served by the same water and sewer lateral connections that serve the primary residence. A separate electric meter and address may be provided for the ADU. Q: Do I have to install fire sprinklers for my ADU? A: ADUs shall not be required to provide fire sprinklers if they are not required for the primary residence. ADU Loan Program As of June 2024, the City is no longer accepting ADU loan applications. This page will be updated if additional funding is allocated to the program in future budget cycles. To be placed on an interest list for ADU loans in the event of additional funding, please submit your name address, and contact information to bwarwick@chulavistaca.gov.

The City of Chula Vista has created a pilot program to provide financial assistance to low and moderate-income homeowners to build or repair ADUs on their property. Completed ADUs must be rented at an affordable rent to low-income households for a period of 15 years. Funding is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis to eligible homeowners. Interested residents should review the program guidelines. The application is currently closed. Questions can be submitted to Brian Warwick, Housing Manager, at bwarwick@chulavistaca.gov . ADU Loan Program Guidelines ADU Loan Application Reference Regulations for ADUs and JADUs The City of Chula Vista permits ADUs and JADUs in areas zoned to allow single-family or multifamily dwelling residential use. ADU regulations are set forth in the California State Government Code Sections 66314 through 66323. The State of California maintains additional regulations and resources one the State Accessory Dwelling Unit webpage . ADU Energy Code requirements are detailed on the ADU Energy Code Fact Sheet .