Accessory Dwelling Units
If you live in the unincorporated area of the County of San
Diego, please click here for the complete Accessory Dwelling
Unit (ADU) and Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit (JADU)
regulations.
If your property is within the County of
San Diego, one ADU and one JADU may potentially be permitted on lots
with an existing or proposed dwelling unit.
To find out if you live in the unincorporated area of
the County of San Diego please click here.
What is an ADU?
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![]() | NEW! Browse Pre-Approved County Standard ADU Building Plans! |
ADU's and JADU's can be created in many different shapes and
styles:
Where is an ADU allowed?
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![]() | Is a building permit required
for an ADU?
Yes, you will be required to obtain a Building Permit to ensure that the new house meets all the zoning, building, health & safety codes. |
What size ADU is allowed? How big?
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Examples for allowable ADU sizes are provided below:
Square Footage of Existing single-family residence (SFD) | Maximum Allowed Square Footage for Detached ADU | Maximum Allowed Square Footage for Attached ADU (up to 50% of SFD) |
1,800 sq. ft. | 1,200 sq. ft. | 900 sq. ft. |
2,000 sq. ft. | 1,200 sq. ft. | 1,000 sq. ft. |
3,000 sq. ft. | 1,200 sq. ft. | 1,200 sq. ft. |
4,500 sq. ft. | 1,200 sq. ft. | 1,200 sq. ft. |
After reviewing the information provided on ADU’s and JADU's, if you
still have any questions please contact us via email at PDS.ADUquestions@sdcounty.ca.gov or PDSZoningPermitCounter@sdcounty.ca.gov
To find out how your property is zoned, please click here and enter your APN # on the upcoming
screen.
For the complete list of ADU & JADU regulations,
please click here.
For Instructions for obtaining
a building permit, please click here.
For the min. plot plan
requirements, please click here.