San Diego County ADU Handbook (COSD)

Accessory Dwelling Unit Handbook Accessory Dwelling Unit Handbook April 2024 County of San Diego Planning and Development Services 1 Source: UD Victorious

Accessory Dwelling Unit Handbook Table of Contents Overview 3 Introduction 4 ADU Types 5 ADU Standards 10 Steps to Build an ADU 14 Potential Costs 18 Frequently Asked Questions 20 Resources 22 Contacts 23 County of San Diego Planning and Development Services 2

Accessory Dwelling Unit Handbook Source: Adobe Stock Overview The purpose of this handbook is to assist property owners in the unincorporated areas of San Diego County with understanding what an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is and whether one can be built on their property. This handbook also provides preliminary answers to key questions and shows the steps the County will require, and what the design and construction of an ADU will entail. How to Use This ADU Handbook Use this handbook as a guide to get started and to prepare the basic information you will need to give to the County, your lender, your designer, and your contractor. Take photographs of the existing residence, measure the backyard, and sketch ideas for an ADU, as this handbook illustrates, you will be well on your way. There are architects, engineers, designers, builders, and planners ready to help you at every stage. For additional information or if you have questions beyond this handbook, please refer to the Contacts section of this handbook for contact information for Planning & Development Services.

The County’s ADU webpage, provides information on the process and applicable requirements for ADUs. County of San Diego Planning and Development Services 3

Accessory Dwelling Unit Handbook Introduction What is an ADU? In 2017, the State Legislature passed a series An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is of bills that allowed ADUs by-right1 and a residential unit that can be added created statewide development standards to a lot with an existing single-family that regulated size, setbacks2, height, and or multifamily dwelling. ADUs can be parking requirements (among other things) detached from or attached to the primary for ADUs in all California communities. In dwelling, or a garage conversion, or 2019, the State Legislature passed another accessory structure conversion, such as series of bills that refined guidance on a garage, barn, workshop or recreation ADUs. room. ADUs are independent housing units that have their own kitchen, Generally, State law allows single- bathrooms, living areas, and entrances. family properties to have one ADU and one Junior ADU (JADU) while Why Build an ADU? multi-family properties are allowed a There are many reasons for building an ADU maximum of two detached ADUs. on a residential property. ADUs can provide

additional space for renters, grown children, elderly parents, or caregivers. “Empty nesters” can stay in their neighborhood by moving into a smaller ADU and renting their larger existing home for additional income. An ADU can be built to house a relative or caregiver to be near one another while maintaining privacy. Source: Home Builder Digest What is the Law for ADUs in ADU Types California? ADUs come in many forms and California Government Code Section configurations and may involve new 65852.150 declares that California is construction, a remodel or addition, or facing a severe housing crisis and ADUs conversion of existing space. The different are a valuable form of housing and can types of ADU configurations are described play a key role in meeting the housing and shown in the following section. needs in many communities. The law recognizes that ADUs can provide housing to individuals at an affordable cost within 1 Allowing something ‘by-right’ means that projects complying with zoning and regulations can be approved administratively without the need for special permits,

existing neighborhoods without the need hearings, or conditions. to subdivide land to create new parcels. 2 Minimum required distance from the property line to the structure. County of San Diego Planning and Development Services 4

Accessory Dwelling Unit Handbook ADU Types See what type of ADU you want to build and refer to that page to learn more: Detached ADU See Page 6 I have a single-family house I want to add an ADU in my The lot with a detached ADU in backyard and it will not share the backyard: a wall with the house + = See Page 7 Attached ADU I have a single-family house I want to add an ADU and the The lot with an ADU attached to unit will share at least one wall the house: with the house + = Conversion ADU See Page 8 I have a single-family house with I want to convert my garage The lot with a garage or other a garage (attached or detached), or other permitted accessory permitted accessory structure or other permitted accessory structure into an ADU converted to an ADU: structure + = Junior ADU (JADU) See Page 9 I have a single-family house I want to convert a portion of The lot with a JADU: the house into a JADU + = County of San Diego Planning and Development Services 5

Accessory Dwelling Unit Handbook Detached ADU Requirements A detached ADU is physically separated Height from a single-family home or multi- Maximum height: 25 feet (except family home on the same contiguous lot. for multifamily complexes, which Detached ADUs are the classic ‘backyard are limited to 18 feet). home’ that most people are familiar with. Setbacks Detached units do not share a common Front Yard: Underlying zoning district wall, ceiling, or floor with the primary home. measurement, unless lot constraints They are a separate structure located on preclude the ability to build an ADU the same property as the primary home. outside of the front yard setback. Detached ADUs can also include a Side Yard: 4 feet (minimum). converted garage or other stand-alone structure. This type of ADU is the most Rear Yard: 4 feet (minimum). flexible and allows for the greatest range of Parking design options, given that it is essentially One parking space required. The a new freestanding home. However, it parking space may be located within is the most expensive of the ADU types

the setbacks and in an existing and typically has more complexity during driveway as tandem parking. permitting and construction and may A parking space is not required for the require the installation of new water, ADU in any of the following instances: sewer, and electrical connections to the (1) The ADU is located within one- street and/or overhead power lines. half mile of public transit. What It May Look Like (2) The ADU is located within an architecturally and historically significant historic district. Source: Home Builder Digest County of San Diego Planning and Development Services 6

Accessory Dwelling Unit Handbook Attached ADU Requirements An attached ADU is a contained space, Height typically sharing a common wall, ceiling, or Cannot exceed the height of the primary floor with the main house. Attached ADUs structure or 16 feet, whichever is higher. also includes building conversions of an If ADU is constructed above any portion existing structure (such as a garage) and of an existing dwelling, it cannot exceed second story or above-garage additions. the height limits of the underlying zone. These units typically provide cost savings Setbacks with utility connections which can be connected directly through the primary Front Yard: Underlying zoning residence (versus creation of new water, district measurement. sewer, and electrical connections to Side Yard: 4 feet (minimum). the street and/or overhead power lines). Attached ADUs are also typically limited Rear Yard: 4 feet (minimum). in size to 50% of the total floor area of the Parking primary residence. The 50% square foot limitation is not applicable for attached An ADU shall provide one parking

ADUs up to 850 square feet for studio and space. The parking space may be one-bedroom, 1,000 sq ft for 2 bedrooms located within the setbacks and in an or more, or up to 1,200 square feet if it has existing driveway as tandem parking. more than one bedroom. Attached ADUs A parking space is not required for the must be separated from the main dwelling ADU in any of the following instances: with a continuous fire rating similar to one (1) The ADU is located within one- that would occur between a residence and half mile of public transit. a garage and will have a separate entrance. (2) The ADU is located within an What It May Look Like architecturally and historically significant historic district. Source: Housable County of San Diego Planning and Development Services 7

Accessory Dwelling Unit Handbook Conversion ADU A conversion is when an existing structure, and permitted main residence could such as a garage or accessory structure, is potentially be converted into an ADU. converted into an ADU. This type of ADU Such a conversion would not be may also utilize existing space within an subject to any size requirements. existing home and may be fully contained Height within the home's footprint, or may expand beyond the existing walls, particularly If detached conversion, see page 6 to accommodate a separate exterior If attached conversion, see page 7 entrance. Other examples of conversions include basement or attic conversions. Setbacks Conversions are the most cost-effective No change to existing setbacks approach to designing, permitting, and Parking building an ADU, because homeowners are typically able to use existing foundations, Not required. framing, roof systems, and plumbing/ electrical systems. However, the ADU is limited to the size/configuration of What It May Look Like the existing structure and therefore

design options can be more limited compared to new construction. There may be Building Code requirements and/or Fire Department requirements to bring an existing structure to code. The applicant should contact the Building Division and their respective Fire District to ensure compliance. Before and After Conversion Requirements No additional development standards such as maximum square footage, height, lot coverage, and setbacks are required if an existing and permitted detached or attached accessory structure is being converted into an ADU. Source: Housable An existing and permitted accessory structure, or a portion of the existing County of San Diego Planning and Development Services 8

Accessory Dwelling Unit Handbook Junior ADU Requirements A Junior ADU (JADU), although similar to an Unit Size ADU, is limited to 500 square feet and may One JADU, which shall not exceed be contained within existing space that is 500 square feet, may be permitted on entirely within an existing or proposed single lots with an existing or proposed SFR family residence (SFR) with a separate entry. within a residential or mixed-use zone. Additions to an existing structure may be permitted that is partially or entirely within The JADU must be completely contained the JADU. Garages and other non-living within an existing or proposed SFR spaces may be converted to a JADU, if they and may include separate restroom are attached to the primary residence. facilities or may share restroom JADUs are allowed in addition to ADUs, facilities with the existing structure. therefore it is possible to build a total of Efficiency Kitchen two additional units on one single-family property. JADUs, have different standards A full kitchen is not required in a JADU. than ADUs, including a requirement that

However, the JADU must include an either the primary home or JADU be owner- efficiency kitchen, as defined by state occupied and a JADU may be allowed in law. An efficiency kitchen should be sized addition to an ADU on the same property. appropriately to the size of the JADU and may include whatever appliances What It May Look Like that fit the space and meet Building Code. Efficiency kitchens must include: a. A cooking facility with appliances. b. A food preparation counter and storage cabinets that are of reasonable size in relation to the size of the junior accessory dwelling unit. Parking Not required. Source: Maxable County of San Diego Planning and Development Services 9

Accessory Dwelling Unit Handbook ADU Standards The information presented below please contact Environmental Health and summarizes requirements for Quality (DEHQ). Feasibility is determined consideration when building an ADU. by obtaining DEHQ approval of an For the full updated list of requirements On-site Wastewater Treatment System for ADUs, refer to County's ADU and (OWTS) Layout Application. Septic JADU Regulations Handout requirements will vary by project, for more information on septic requirements Proposed ADU development are subject please contact Environmental Health. to standards set forth in San Diego County Zoning Ordinance - Part Six: General Septic requirements will vary by Regulations, Section 6156x. Residential project, for more information on and Agricultural Use Types. The County's septic requirements visit the Dept. ADU and JADU Regulations Handout is of Environmental Health and Quality consistent with State Law and may be website. The first step is to contact an updated from time to time to maintain OWTS Professional who will prepare consistency with the State.

ADU and JADU and submit the application after laws supersede local zoning ordinances. selecting the best OWTS design to match your ADU proposal and specific Septic Systems site conditions. DEHQ will perform Septic systems are required in parts of a field inspection of the submitted San Diego County which are not serviced application, and if all requirements are by a public sewer system. If an existing met will provide terms of approval. single-family residence is connected to Visit the DEHQ website and find the lists a public sewer system, then the ADU of: OWTS Professionals, Septic Contractors, could also be connected to the system. and Septic Pumpers. Find the As-Built If a property is not serviced by a public drawing of your existing OWTS using the sewer system and there is an existing DEHQ document library, and email septic tank, new kitchens and bathrooms lwqduty.deh@sdcounty.ca.gov for all in a proposed ADU may need to install correspondence and document an additional septic tank to reduce the submittals. load on the existing disposal field. If the

existing disposal field is not large enough to accommodate the additional flow or load from the ADU, a new, separate septic system will need to be installed. Septic Source: Adobe Stock requirements will vary by project, for more information on septic requirements County of San Diego Planning and Development Services 10

Accessory Dwelling Unit Handbook Development Requirements Fire Safety Requirements Fire Safety Requirements must also Fire sprinklers are not required when they be considered when building an ADU. were not required by building codes for the First step would be to determine which existing primary residence. For example, fire protection district the property in a detached single-family home designed question is located. Reach out to the and constructed decades ago would not appropriate fire protection district to have been required to have fire sprinklers determine fire-related requirements. installed under the applicable building Consider the following requirements: code at the time. Fire sprinklers are Defensible space is one of the most required in ADUs when the same primary important steps you can take to improve residence underwent significant alteration your home's chance of surviving a and is now required to have fire sprinklers, wildfire; it is a buffer between a structure any ADU created after that alteration

on your property and the grass, trees, must be provided with fire sprinklers. shrubs, and any wildland area that Plans for residential building projects must be submitted to the County Building Division for approval. You will need to coordinate the review of your plans with the outside fire authority having jurisdiction. California Residential Code Section R313.2 (Part 3 of Title 24) requires that newly constructed one- and two-family dwellings install automatic residential sprinkler systems with the exemption as Source: San Diego Fire District described in the previous paragraph. See surrounds it. Consistent with state codes, Cal Fire Information Bulletin 21-005. the required fuel modification area is Wildland Urban Interface Area 100 feet around structures (or to the property line, whichever is nearer to the Properties located within the Wildland structure). The area located within 50 Urban Interface Area have additional feet of the structure must be cleared building and fire requirements and planted with fire-resistant plants, that must be incorporated into the

and the landscaping must be irrigated. design of a new ADU project. County of San Diego Planning and Development Services 11

Accessory Dwelling Unit Handbook In accordance with State law, fuel related to siting buildings, access modification requirements must be routes, drainage, view sheds, and more. implemented including fuel modification Areas that are on flatter portions of areas, defensible space, and ignition- a lot (less than 10% slope) are more resistant construction requirements. If ideal for development. A combination your project is located in a Wildland Urban of grading and retaining walls can be Interface Area make sure to ask your local used to level a portion of a property for fire authority how this may effect your new building construction. Grading on plans. To see if your home is within this slopes exceeding 25% is not advised. zone, you can enter your address at the The San Diego County Grading Ordinance Fire Hazard Severity Zone GIS map. contains criteria on what types of activities Solar Panel Requirements require a grading permit. A summary of the most common of these scenarios is According to California’s Title 24, Part listed on the following San Diego County

6 of the Building Energy Efficiency Grading Plan User Guide including a Standards, you may be required to install summary of activities that are exempt solar panels and install solar panels to from requiring a grading permit. To meet the requirements of your energy determine if your project requires a efficiency analysis. This applies to newly grading permit or qualifies for exemptions, constructed, non-manufactured, detached or if you would like an Initial Consultation, ADUs. If you have an existing solar system please contact the County Land on your primary structure, solar panels Development Counter at (858) 694-2055 or could be added to the existing system email ldpermitcounter@sdcounty.ca.gov. to meet this requirement. ADUs and JADUs exempt from this requirement are Source: Diane Waingrow AIA attached and conversion ADUs, as well as prefab ADUs. JADUs are not required to provide solar photovoltaic system. To get the most updated information on the Title 24 solar panels requirement, refer to the California Energy Commission. Grading Requirements

Site topography refers to the elevation Source: Diane Waingrow, AIA of the surface on various points on a property including a site’s natural features, grades, and overall terrain. Knowing the topography on a property provides opportunities and constraints County of San Diego Planning and Development Services 12

Accessory Dwelling Unit Handbook Stormwater Management Requirements The project scope will determine the stormwater management filed permitting requirements of a project including with the Building Division. Specific applicable stormwater management questions should be directed to the requirements. Stormwater management Building Division hotline at (858) 565- and erosion control is typically not a factor 5920, PDSBuildingPermitCounter@ given their small building footprint or 1,200 sdcounty.ca.gov. square feet or less. However, impervious surfaces, including driveways, walkways, and other flatwork, can add up. Stormwater Best Management Practices focuses on reducing runoff and improving water quality. Examples include rain gardens, grassy swales, permeable pavements, rain barrels, green roofs and other design practices, which may be integrated into new and Source: Adobe Stock redevelopment projects where appropriate. When an ADU is nearing completion, gutters will be installed to concentrate rainwater. Stormwater basins are the reservoirs built near

developments to temporarily hold stormwater during rain and snowmelt. They prevent high volumes of water from rushing into nearby streams during storms. If a site is graded, it can be designed to promote water flow towards a storm water basin. It is important to maintain the site and basin each year to ensure that the basin remains in operable condition to allow the water to seep into the soil. In the County of San Diego, ADUs may be subject to storm water management requirements, require site drainage and storm water mitigation for ADUs. The Building Forms and Handouts page provides handouts for applications for County of San Diego Planning and Development Services 13

Accessory Dwelling Unit Handbook Steps to Build an ADU The following outline is one approach to building an ADU. County staff have found applicants who follow this process when building an ADU are the more likely to succeed and move projects efficiently through the permitting and building process. Decide and Prepare Take photos 1 Once you've decided the type of ADU you would like to build, capture all angles of available space on your lot. Make a sketch 2 Prepare preliminary plans of your lot, location and dimensions of structures. Verify requirements that may take up space (e.g. septic system, easements). Review the entire process before investing additional money and time. Consider adopting one of the Pre-Approved County Standard ADU Building Plans that are available for free. Collect information Bring information to the County PDS to discuss ADU plans. Retrieve 3 Property Summary Report. Discuss design options, site specific factors, and constraints, such as septic, with County PDS. Consult with a few different contractors and people to understand costs and speed up the

permitting and building process. Design and Apply for a Building Permit Draft plans & determine costs Consider your options for drafting plans such as hiring a designer or 4 architect, drawing your own plans, purchasing plans, or purchasing a prefabricated unit. In addition, you can adopt one of the free Pre- Approved County Standard ADU Building Plans. Finalize construction drawings Make sure that all of the required calculations and support documents 5 are ready for submittal. Submit for plan review and pay fees Travel to the County office to go through the pre-intake process and set 6 up an appointment for a record creation that starts the plan review. County of San Diego Planning and Development Services 14

Accessory Dwelling Unit Handbook Obtain Permit There are many approvals a project needs to acquire in order to receive a permit. A well designed building is one part of this process, but some projects will also need approval for grading, septic expansion, and meet standards for fire hazard mitigation. Revise drawings and resubmit If there are comments or corrections needed based on the plans 7 provided, revise the drawings and resubmit them until they are approved. Obtain bids from contractors 8 It is advisable to receive bids from contractors before receiving a permit. A contractor will be able to give a full cost of development before you pay for an unrefundable permit. Building permit issued 9 A building permit is what allows you to start building. This permit expires after 2 years but can be extended. Make sure to talk to planners and understand the permitting and renewal process. Construct your ADU Select contractor When selecting a contractor make sure to pick wisely and ensure 10 your contractor is in good standing with the California State Licensing Board (CSLB)

Begin construction 11 Construction inspection 12 Certificate of occupancy A Certificate of Occupancy is issued upon final approval of all inspections 13 for work authorized under a building permit and associated permits. Done! Enjoy your ADU! 14 County of San Diego Planning and Development Services 15

Accessory Dwelling Unit Handbook Process Overview There are many steps involved when Utilize ADU finance tools via building an ADU. The following section California Housing Finance Agency to details steps to take in four phases: estimate your costs including useful and free cost estimator tools. Decide and Prepare Phase Call or e-mail the County Planning & Confirm Eligibility and Development Services (see Contacts Allowed Size of ADU section) to discuss options as well as any constraints or site-specific factors Take time to do your due diligence. The (steep slopes, agricultural buffer more time you invest upfront, the easier setbacks, existing accessory structures, the process is likely to go in the future. septic systems, etc.). This step will help Determine the eligibility of your property to avoid surprises after investing time and the maximum size ADU you can build. and money into a building design. Square Maximum Maximum Allowed Square Footage Allowed Footage for Attached ADU (up Design Phase of Existing Square to 50% of SFR) Single Family Footage for Studio or 1 2 Bedrooms or

Residence Detached Design and Preparation Bedroom more ADU 500 1,200 850 1,000 1,000 1,200 850 1,000 1,800 1,200 900 1,000 2,000 1,200 1,000 1,000 2,200 1,200 1,100 1,100 3,000 1,200 1,200 1,200 4,500 1,200 1,200 1,200 Source: Adobe Stock Refer to the ADU Regulations handout and ADU webpage for more information. Decide if you will build a new ADU or convert an existing structure to an ADU. Retrieve your Property Summary Report Source: Adobe Stock Consider your options for drafting plans (how-to guide here) which you will take such as hiring a designer or architect, to the County Permit Center to assist drawing your own plans, purchasing with the pre-application and pre-review plans, or purchasing a prefabricated phase of the permit application process. unit. In addition, you can adopt one Determine any septic system of the free Pre-Approved County requirements and if your ADU will be Standard ADU Building Plans. By feasible. You can read the Frequently using Pre-Approved County Standard Asked Questions from the Department ADU Building plans, much of the

of Environmental Health and Quality. County of San Diego Planning and Development Services 16

Accessory Dwelling Unit Handbook design and permitting work is already Complete applicable forms and completed, so there is less chance for delay obtain your building permit and or unexpected costs down the road. any other necessary permits. Consider your options for construction. You Pay all required fees. Fees vary both by can hire a General Contractor to manage size and by method of construction. and complete the construction or obtain Construct & Occupy Phase an owner/builder permit to allow you to manage and complete the project yourself Construct Your ADU or through sub-contractors. Even if you Complete all required Building and process a project as the owner/builder, you Environmental inspections at appropriate will still need to use licensed contractors stages of the construction process. per the State of California. You can visit Throughout the construction process your the CSLB website for more information contractor will need to call for periodic on when you need a licensed contractor. inspections that once approved allow

Once you select an ADU design option, them to move on with the next phases of you can get an estimate of County fees construction. Failed inspections do occur by looking up the Development fees. You and you will be provided with a list of items can also see the ADU Application Checklist to correct for subsequent inspections. for a list of submittal requirements. Once you pass your final inspection you have what is referred to as Occupancy Obtain Permit Phase and you can start to use the property Submit Plans for Occupy Your ADU Building Permit If you want to rent your new ADU, Depending on the type, size, height of see the Frequently Asked Questions, your desired ADU, your building permit Renting an ADU, and Resources application may need a few rounds of sections for more information. comments and/or re-submittals. Plans are typically reviewed by various agencies, such as planning, engineering, and fire districts. Expect this process to take several weeks. For a detailed guidance on how to submit your building permit application, please refer to County’s How to Obtain a

Building Permit Summary document. Source: Adobe Stock Obtain Permits and Pay Fees County of San Diego Planning and Development Services 17

Accessory Dwelling Unit Handbook Potential Costs Renting an ADU Do I want to be a landlord? To determine the costs for constructing your ADU you will need to estimate the Not everyone is ready to be a landlord. costs to obtain a Building Permit (and other With an ADU on your property you can necessary permits), costs to design your rent your ADU for long-term use but, you ADU, hard costs (e.g., building construction, cannot rent the ADU as a short-term septic upgrade, and site improvements) vacation rental (for a period of less than 30 and soft costs (e.g., design costs and study days). If you plan to rent, it is crucial you costs, such as septic analysis). Utilize ADU understand what your landlord finance resources via California Housing responsibilities will be. Finance Agency to estimate your costs including useful financing guides, including average costs, and free cost estimator tools. In addition, estimate the rental income amount, if you plan to rent your ADU. Below are some rules of thumb to calculate ADU costs: New construction is typically 125% Source: Maxable

more expensive than conversions Renting your ADU means you are sharing (assuming the structure to be converted your property with another household is in good physical condition). who has tenancy rights and the right to The bigger the ADU, the more expensive, expect quiet enjoyment of the home for but less expensive on a per square foot basis. which they are paying rent. Additionally, In other words, each additional square foot as a landlord, you are subject to all of you add has a marginally decreasing cost. the same requirements under local, State and federal law, such as non- The higher the quality of the fixtures and discrimination and the requirement to finishes, the more expensive the ADU. give notice of changes to the lease. Separately metered utilities (water, electrical, To learn more about your gas) cost more than using existing utility lines responsibilities, check out “A Guide to and supplemental permits are required. Residential Tenants’ and Landlords’ Building on slopes or hillsides adds significant Rights and Responsibilities”. additional cost. New detached ADUs are

required to have solar systems, which should be considered in overall project costs. County of San Diego Planning and Development Services 18

Accessory Dwelling Unit Handbook as a landlord. Find more information Lease Agreements about this program and how landlords A legally enforceable lease describes benefit from it on HUD's website. both landlord and tenant expectations. Setting Rent Levels A lease dictates what will make sharing your property work for you—for example, When deciding on how much you will will you allow your tenant to smoke in the charge to rent your ADU, you may want unit? If not, be sure the lease agreement to consider how much income you states that very clearly. Will you allow pets? need in order to cover your costs and If so, think about the number, type and pay down any debt you acquired. size that will be acceptable and spell it out To determine the “right” rent you should in the lease. What are your expectations charge for your ADU, start by finding out for guests? Where will the tenant park? what the current market is charging. To do You should plan to inspect the unit once so, you can search for “average rent” on the a year to be sure everything is in working

internet and compare similar rental price order, such as the smoke alarm—be listings. You can also check HUD’s HOME sure the lease makes it clear you will do Rent Limits for your community, which this and how you will give notice to the publishes Fair Market Rent every year. tenant when you plan to enter the unit. HOME Rent Limits for the County, which There are many resources available and publishes Fair Market Rent every year. you are encouraged to seek help from organizations that can provide the most up-to-date, legally enforceable list of typical lease conditions. You can also build and customize your lease for free on various websites including Zillow Rental Manager. When selecting tenants, landlords must adhere to federal Fair Housing laws that may apply. The State of California's Civil Rights Department provides information Source: Adobu on Housing Discrimination. When considering tenant applications, you may encounter potential renters that participate in the Housing Choice Voucher program. This is a program managed by the Federal Department of Housing

and Urban Development (HUD), and has several potential advantages to you County of San Diego Planning and Development Services 19

Accessory Dwelling Unit Handbook Frequently Asked Questions Where can I find the most How big can I make an ADU? updated information about The allowable size of an ADU is dependent current ordinance on ADUs? on the type being proposed. Specifically, whether the ADU is attached to the See the County's ADU and JADU Regulations existing house or detached. If the ADU is handout for more information. attached to the existing house, it cannot Who can I talk to for ADU- be bigger than 50% of the existing house related planning questions? or 1,200 square feet, whichever is less. If the ADU is detached, then it can be no Contact the County Planning and larger than 1,200 square feet in size. Development Services Department at or visit the front counter in-person at 5510 Can I sell my ADU separately Overland Ave, San Diego, CA 92123 or email from my primary unit? pdszoningpermitcounter@sdcounty.ca.gov The ADU may not be sold or otherwise Can I build more than one ADU? conveyed separate from the primary residence. ADU may be rented but Yes, single-family properties can have one

is not intended for sale separate ADU (attached, detached, or converted) from the primary residence. and one JADU. Multifamily properties are allowed a maximum of two detached ADUs, Will adding an ADU raise including non-conforming properties my property taxes? Detached ADUs on multifamily properties are subject to the same process as those Yes. ADUs/JADUs will be assessed by on single-family properties with the only San Diego County at their current difference in requirements being the valuation. However, existing square height limitation mentioned on page 6. See footage which is not touched by the the County's ADU and JADU Regulations project will not be re-assessed. handout for more information. Do I need to live on the My property is on septic. property to build an ADU? Can I still build an ADU? There is no owner-occupancy requirement Consult with the Department of Health and for an ADU. However, there is an owner- Quality early in the process. Although ADUs occupancy requirement for a JADU. are allowed on any parcel with a single- family home, all performance standards for

sanitation must be met and approved. County of San Diego Planning and Development Services 20

Accessory Dwelling Unit Handbook Can my ADU be used as a short-term rental? No. ADUs/JADUs must be rented for a period exceeding 30 days. What if the structure was already converted into a rental without permits? The requirements for ADU's would still apply and if this were the only conversion on the property it could be eligible as an ADU. You will need to process plans for an As-Built structure and it will still need to be designed as if it were new. County staff can discuss options with no obligations by emailing to PDS.ADUquestions@sdcounty.ca.gov County of San Diego Planning and Development Services 21

Accessory Dwelling Unit Handbook Resources The following are external resources providing additional information to help navigate the ADU process: HCD ADU Website - Provides links to various resources on ADUs, including an ADU handbook published by the California Housing and Community Development Department. California Government Code Section § 65852.2 - Provides State Accessory Dwelling Unit law. Zoning Regulation Part 6 General Regulations (ADUs) - Provides pertinent zoning regulations related to ADU construction. California Housing Finance Agency - State agency providing opportunities for ADU projects via third-party lending. California Energy Commission – Building Energy Efficiency Standards Contractors State License Board – Find a licensed contractor. County of San Diego Planning and Development Services 22

Accessory Dwelling Unit Handbook Contacts Reach out to the appropriate San Diego County agencies for further guidance on the development of your ADU. Determining which fire district, water authority, sanitation district, and other special districts, your property is located will help guide you to the right agency to follow up with. Planning & Development Services Online Land use and Parcel Research Tools For ADU questions: PDS.ADUquestions@sdcounty.ca.gov For zoning questions: pdszoningpermitcounter@sdcounty.ca.gov (858) 694-2960 Building Division Building Forms and Handouts County Standard Building Plans Self-Service Reports For building permit questions: PDSBuildingPermitCounter@sdcounty.ca.gov, (858) 694-2960 Engineering Services For engineering questions: PDSEngineeringPermitCounter@sdcounty.ca.gov, (858) 694-2830 Department of Environmental Health & Quality For environmental health questions: lwqduty.deh@sdcounty.ca.gov, (858) 694-2888 Fire Protection District Development Services Fire District Contact List Water Authority Members San Diego Gas & Electric Builder Services

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Accessory Dwelling Unit Handbook County of San Diego Planning and Development Services 24