🔑 Key Changes to San Diego's ADU Regulations (Effective June 2025)

1. Revisions to the ADU Home Density Bonus Program

• Program Scaling Back: The city plans to reduce the scope of the ADU Bonus Program, particularly in low-density single-family zones, to prevent overdevelopment in these areas. City of San Diego+4Planetizen+4KPBS Public Media+4

• Floor Area Ratio (FAR) Limits: New restrictions on the size of bonus ADUs will be implemented to ensure developments align with neighborhood scales. City of San Diego+4City of San Diego+4Axios+4

• Community Enhancement Fee: A fee will be required for affordable and bonus ADUs under 750 sq. ft., aimed at supporting local infrastructure. SDHC+4City of San Diego+4Wikipedia+4

2. Enhanced Fire Safety Measures

• Evacuation Routes: Projects in High and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones must have two evacuation routes. City of San Diego+6City of San Diego+6Inside San Diego+6

• Fire Sprinkler Requirements: Clarifies that constructing an ADU does not mandate installing fire sprinklers in the existing primary dwelling unless required by the California Building Standards Code. Wikipedia+3City of San Diego+3City of San Diego+3

• Setback Requirements: ADUs in fire-prone areas must maintain a minimum five-foot interior side and rear yard setback to provide defensible space. EZ Plans+2Inside San Diego+2City of San Diego+2

3. Updated Parking Regulations

• Transit Priority Areas (TPAs): No parking requirements for ADUs located within TPAs, in line with state law. Wikipedia+2Inside San Diego+2City of San Diego+2

• Outside TPAs: One off-street parking space is required for each affordable or bonus ADU. City of San Diego+2City of San Diego+2Inside San Diego+2

4. Stricter Enforcement on Affordable Housing Compliance

• Increased Penalties: Violations of deed restrictions for affordable rents on ADUs will incur fines of at least $10,000 per unit per month. Inside San Diego+1City of San Diego+1

5. Alignment with State Legislation

• AB 1033 Implementation: Allows certain ADUs to be sold independently as condominiums, providing more flexibility for homeowners. Inside San Diego+1City of San Diego+1

• Size Regulations: Detached and newly built ADUs remain limited to 1,200 sq. ft., while converted ADUs within existing structures are no longer subject to a maximum size limit. EZ Plans+3Inside San Diego+3City of San Diego+3

🏡 Implications for Homeowners and Developers

These regulatory changes present both opportunities and challenges:

• Opportunities:

  • Increased flexibility in ADU sales through condominium conversions.

  • Potential for additional rental income and property value enhancement.Wikipedia+3City of San Diego+3Holland & Knight+3

• Challenges:

  • Stricter compliance requirements and potential fees.

  • Limitations on ADU sizes and quantities in certain zones.Wikipedia

It's crucial for property owners and developers to familiarize themselves with these new regulations to make informed decisions about ADU projects.