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Regulations

Casita ADU guides clients through the intricate regulatory landscape for ADU construction, from San Diego to Los Angeles, ensuring full compliance with local zoning and building codes. Our expertise simplifies the process, demystifying regulations to seamlessly transition your project from concept to completion.

San Diego (City)

General Requirements:

  • No minimum home size required for ADU construction.

  • Types include detached, attached, conversions, and JADUs, with a focus on design compatibility and independent living facilities.

Zoning:

  • Suitable for properties zoned for single-family and multifamily use.

  • Owner occupancy needed for properties with both an ADU and JADU. Long-term rentals allowed, short-term rentals banned.

Fees:

  • Estimated fees around $9,000 in San Diego, with some fee waivers available. Includes plan check, building codes, and impact fees.

Number of Units:

  • Allows for one ADU and one JADU per property, with additional units possible under certain conditions.

Building Size:

  • Up to 1,200 sq. ft. for both detached and attached ADUs. Height restrictions vary by ADU type and zoning.

Setbacks:

  • Depends on ADU height and location. Close-proximity constructions require specific fire safety measures.

Parking:

  • Not required under specific conditions such as proximity to public transport or conversion from existing structures.

San Diego (County)

General Requirements:

  • Must match the primary dwelling's design, equipped for independent living with facilities for living, eating, sleeping, sanitation, and cooking.

  • Kitchens require a sink, countertops, cabinetry, a refrigerator, and a cooktop.

  • JADUs may share bathroom facilities with the main home.

Zoning:

  • Suitable for properties zoned for single-family and multifamily use.

  • Owner occupancy needed if a JADU is built; owners must occupy one of the dwellings.

  • ADUs cannot be sold separately without subdividing the property.

Fees:

  • Estimated fees around $9,000 in San Diego, with some fee waivers available. Includes plan check, building codes, and impact fees.

  • Fee waivers for certain areas can save $10,000-$15,000 on permit costs.

Number of Units:

  • Single-family homes can have one ADU and one JADU.

  • Multi-family properties can add two detached ADUs, with conversion ADUs allowed up to 25% of the existing unit count.

Building Size:

  • Minimum 150 sq. ft

  • Attached ADUs up to 1,200 sq. ft. or 50% of the primary dwelling's floor area

  • Detached ADUs and JADUs have specific size limits.

Setbacks:

  • Attached ADUs follow main dwelling's regulations

  • Detached ADUs require 4 ft. front, side, and rear setbacks, with specific rules for corner lots and above-garage or two-story ADUs.

Parking:

  • One space per ADU, with exemptions based on location relative to public transport and other criteria.

Los Angeles (City)

General Requirements:

  • Allows all standard ADU types, including one- and two-story units, equipped for independent living with facilities for living, eating, sleeping, sanitation, and cooking.

  • JADUs must be converted from existing living spaces and can share bathroom facilities with the main house.

Zoning:

  • ADUs are permitted on properties zoned for both single-family and multifamily use.

  • Owner-occupancy not required for detached and attached ADUs permitted through 2024, but mandatory for properties with a JADU.

Fees:

  • Include building permit fees, impact fees (waived for ADUs under 750 sq. ft.), and utility connection fees, with costs ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 depending on ADU size and location.

Number of Units:

  • Single-family properties can build one detached ADU and one JADU.

  • Multi-family properties are allowed up to two detached ADUs.

Building Size:

  • ADUs and JADUs must be at least 150 sq. ft. 

  • JADUs capped at 500 sq. ft.

  • Detached ADUs can be up to 1,200 sq. ft., limited to 2 stories.

  • ADUs cannot exceed 50% of the existing dwelling's floor area.

Setbacks:

  • Detached ADUs require a minimum 4-foot setback from side and rear lot lines 

  • Cannot be placed between the dwelling and the street unless specific conditions are met.

Parking:

  • No parking requirements for ADUs if they meet certain conditions related to public transit proximity and location in historic districts.

Los Angeles (County)

General Requirements:

  • Permits detached, attached, conversion, and JADUs.

  • Requires facilities for living, eating, sleeping, sanitation, and cooking.

  • ADUs need exterior access separate from the main dwelling; kitchens must have basic amenities.

Zoning:

  • ADUs allowed on properties zoned for single and multifamily use, except in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones without dual access.

  • Owner-occupancy not required for ADUs permitted between 2020-2025, but required for JADUs.

Fees:

  • Include building permit fees, impact fees and utility connection fees, with costs ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 depending on ADU size and location.

Number of Units:

  • Single-family zoned lots can add 1 detached ADU and 1 JADU.

  • Multi-family zoned lots can add up to 1 ADU or 25% of existing units and two detached ADUs.

Building Size:

  • JADUs capped at 500 sq. ft.

  • Detached ADUs limited to 1,200 sq. ft.

  • Attached ADUs limited to 50% of the existing dwelling or 1,200 sq. ft., with a minimum of 800 sq. ft. allowed

  • Detached and attached ADUs limited to 25 ft., with specific conditions for ADUs near scenic highways and multifamily zoned properties.

Setbacks:

  • Detached ADUs require a minimum 4-foot setback from side and rear lot lines 

  • ADUs attached to garages exceeding 1,200 sq. ft. need sprinklers; attached ADUs require a 1-hour fire-resistance separation.

Parking:

  • One parking space required unless exemptions apply, such as proximity to public transit or being within a historic district.

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