Accessory and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU/JADU)

Have questions about building an ADU on your property? Schedule a free virtual Planning and Zoning appointment. New Info Bulletin!! View the updated regulations outside of the Coastal Overlay Zone.

ADUs are detached or attached accessory structures on a residential lot that provide independent living. ADUs are intended as permanent housing solutions and shall not be used for rental terms less than 31 consecutive days.

ADUs can be integrated into existing single-family or multi-family properties and can be designed in a variety of ways, including converting a portion of an existing house, adding to the existing house, converting an existing garage or constructing a new detached structure. Learn more about ADUs and JADUs.

Highlights

ADUs and JADUs are an integral part of the City's Housing SD initiatives to increase housing affordability and supply citywide. The City has amended regulations that make it easier and less expensive to build ADUs and JADUs, providing affordable and below-market housing throughout the City.

Some of these changes include:

Digital plan review, expedited processing and construction inspection times
A property with a Single Dwelling Unit may have both an ADU and a JADU
A property with Multiple Dwelling Units may have two detached ADUs and may convert habitable and non-habitable spaces to ADUs
The maximum size is 1,200 square feet, attached or detached
Encroachments into the side and rear yards
No parking required. No replacement parking required for conversions of garages.
Bonus ADU Program for Affordable ADUs
Rental terms are for a minimum of 31 days
Waiving Development Impact Fees, Facility Benefit Assessment Fees and General Plan Maintenance Fees

Allowing the use of permit-ready, no-cost building plans from the County of San Diego and the City of Encinitas Permit-Ready Accessory Dwelling Unit (PRADU) program. The plans still must meet the City of San Diego submittal guidelines for a building permit.