Parking Requirements for ADUs in San Diego

TL;DR: Parking for ADUs in San Diego

• Parking for ADUs in San Diego is often not required, but rules depend on location and ADU type.
• Parking is usually waived near public transit, for garage conversions, and for ADUs within existing structures.
• When required, one on-site space per ADU is standard.
• Parking is reviewed during the ADU permit process and can delay approval if shown incorrectly.
• This article explains parking rules, exemptions, permit review, common mistakes, and compliance scenarios.

Parking Requirements for ADUs in San Diego

Parking requirements for ADUs in San Diego are governed by California state law and the City of San Diego’s zoning ordinance. In many cases, parking is not required, but certain properties and ADU types must still provide on-site parking to receive permit approval.

Common ADU Parking Scenarios

• Detached ADUs built outside Transit Priority Areas
• Garage conversion ADUs
• ADUs built within existing structures
• Lots with multiple ADUs
• Properties in special overlay zones

How Parking Is Determined

1. The City evaluates the ADU type (detached, attached, conversion).
2. The property’s location is checked for transit proximity.
3. Site plans are reviewed to confirm parking layout and access.
4. Parking notes are verified during plan check before permit issuance.

Quick Answers

• How many parking spaces are required for an ADU in San Diego?
  Usually one space per ADU when required.
• Does parking have to be covered?
  No, uncovered and tandem spaces are generally allowed.
• Can parking be located in a driveway?
  Yes, in many cases.
• Are parking rules different for JADUs?
  JADUs are typically exempt from parking requirements.
• Is parking checked during inspections?
  Yes, compliance is verified before final approval.

When ADU Parking Is Not Required in San Diego

Many ADUs in San Diego qualify for parking exemptions, meaning no new parking spaces are required as part of the permit.

Parking Is Typically Waived When:

• The property is within ½ mile of public transit
• An existing garage is converted into an ADU
• The ADU is created entirely within the existing home
• The unit is a Junior ADU (JADU)
• Replacement parking is not required for converted spaces

Key Exemption Rules

1. Transit distance is measured as a walking path, not straight-line distance.
2. No replacement parking is required when converting a garage.
3. Exemptions must still be documented on permit plans.

Quick Answers

• Do I need proof of transit distance?
  Yes, site plans typically note proximity.
• Does converting a carport count as a garage conversion?
  It depends on how it is classified in city records.
• Are historic districts exempt from parking?
  Not automatically—additional rules may apply.
• Does exemption guarantee approval?
  No, other zoning rules still apply.

When Parking Is Required for an ADU

Some ADUs in San Diego must provide on-site parking as part of the permit approval process, especially for new detached construction outside exempt areas.

Parking Is Usually Required When:

• The ADU is new detached construction
• The property is outside Transit Priority Areas
• Multiple ADUs are built on a single lot
• The site lacks qualifying exemptions

Parking Rules to Know

1. One space per ADU is the standard requirement.
2. Tandem parking is generally allowed.
3. Parking must be shown clearly on the site plan.

Quick Answers

• Can parking be shared with the main house?
  Yes, if code-compliant.
• Does street parking count?
  No, only on-site parking qualifies.
• Can I request a parking waiver?
  Waivers are limited and rarely approved.
• Does parking increase permit cost?
  Indirectly, due to site work and layout constraints.

What Is the San Diego ADU Permitting Process?

San Diego’s ADU permitting process is the official city review that ensures your Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) meets local zoning, building codes, and state housing laws before construction can begin. The process typically includes submitting architectural plans, completing required forms, paying applicable fees, and undergoing plan review and inspections through the City’s Development Services Department. This step-by-step approval ensures your project is safe, compliant, and eligible for final occupancy once built.

“Actually, it doesn’t really matter what you call it. What you get is more housing.” — Denise Pinkston, Casita Coalition (CalMatters), paraphrasing Shakespeare’s famous line, “What’s in a name?”

Submitting complete ADU architectural plans upfront streamlines plan check and avoids delays in the City’s Development Services review.

Why Build an ADU in San Diego?

Building an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU), often called a granny flat or Junior ADU, in San Diego is one of the most effective ways to create affordable housing while also benefiting homeowners. An ADU can generate steady rental income, increase property value, and provide flexible space for family members. As part of California’s efforts to address the housing affordability crisis, ADUs have become a cornerstone of local infill developments, supported by both California state law and the City of San Diego Development Services Department.

Research from UC Berkeley’s Terner Center shows that the median rental price of a new ADU is around $2,000 per month, while locally, returns can be even stronger—for example, a one-bedroom ADU in North Park rents for about $2,400. With supportive zoning regulations, reduced setback requirements, and programs like San Diego’s ADU Bonus Program, homeowners are finding ADUs to be a practical way to add living space and meet community housing affordability goals.

ADUs in San Diego generate strong rental income potential, with units in neighborhoods like North Park renting above $2,400 per month.

How Parking Is Reviewed During the San Diego ADU Permit Process

Parking is reviewed during the plan check phase of the ADU permitting process to ensure zoning and code compliance.

What the City Reviews

• Site plan showing parking location
• Driveway access and maneuverability
• Notes confirming exemptions or compliance
• Consistency with zoning regulations

Review Process

1. Parking details are submitted with architectural plans.
2. City reviewers verify exemptions or requirements.
3. Corrections are issued if parking is missing or unclear.
4. Approval is granted once parking complies.

Quick Answers

• Is parking reviewed more than once?
  Yes, during plan check and final inspection.
• Can parking changes delay approval?
  Yes, parking issues are a common correction item.
• Who decides if parking is required?
  The City’s Development Services Department.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Get an ADU Permit

In San Diego, most ADU permit applications follow a five-step path: confirm zoning regulations, prepare your plans, submit online, complete the plan check process, and then move forward with permit approval and inspections. Typical timelines run 3–5 months, though in past years the average processing time was closer to 217 days (~7 months), which shows why accurate submittals and fast responses matter.

Understanding setback regulations, parking requirements, and other local zoning standards up front helps prevent costly delays. Homeowners should also be aware of permit costs like the Application Fee, Plan Check Fee, and potential Development Impact Fees, which vary depending on project size. A complete and compliant package gives the City of San Diego Development Services Department everything they need to keep your review on track.

5 Steps to Getting an ADU Permit in San Diego

1. Check Zoning & Requirements
   Review Information Bulletin 400 to confirm your property qualifies and to understand lot coverage, setback regulations, and off-street parking standards.
2. Prepare Site & Floor Plans
   Assemble a full set of ADU architectural plans: site plan, floor plans, elevations, structural calculations (if required), and Title 24 energy compliance documents.
3. Submit Online Application
   File your ADU application through the City’s Planning & Development Services portal. Pay any initial permit fees and ensure your Permit Application Form is complete.
4. Plan Review & Corrections
   City reviewers check your submittal against the California Building Standards Code and the local Municipal Code. Respond quickly to any correction notices—delays usually happen at this stage.
5. Permit Approval & Inspections
   Once approved, permits are issued and construction can begin. You’ll need to pass required inspections (such as framing, electrical, and final sign-off) before your ADU can be legally occupied.

Passing inspections, from framing to final finishes, ensures your ADU is fully compliant and ready for occupancy.

Common ADU Parking Mistakes That Delay Permits

Parking-related errors are a frequent cause of ADU permit delays in San Diego.

Common Mistakes

• Assuming parking is waived without verifying transit distance
• Not labeling parking on site plans
• Showing illegal or non-compliant spaces
• Forgetting replacement parking notes
• Conflicting information between drawings

How to Avoid Delays

1. Verify exemptions early.
2. Document parking clearly on all plans.
3. Coordinate parking with setbacks and access.
4. Review zoning notes before submission.

Quick Answers

• Is parking the most common correction?
  One of the most common.
• Can corrections add months to approval?
  Yes, if revisions are required.
• Are these mistakes avoidable?
  Yes, with proper planning.
• Does this table replace city guidance?
  No, it summarizes common scenarios.
• Can rules change by neighborhood?
  Yes, overlays may apply.
• Should this table be included in permit plans?
  No, but plans must reflect the correct scenario.

ADU Parking Rules by Scenario (Quick Reference Table)

Key Regulations to Know (2025 Updates)

In San Diego, homeowners can build an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) without a minimum lot size requirement. Detached or attached ADUs may be up to 1,200 square feet, with side and rear setback regulations of at least four feet. Parking rules are often waived in Transit Priority Areas, but when required, each ADU must provide one off-street parking space. Parking exemptions remain in effect under state law, but San Diego has increased scrutiny during plan review to ensure exemptions are correctly documented. New 2025 updates to the Zoning Ordinance introduced limits on multiple ADUs in single-family residential zones, a two-story maximum height, and restrictions on building in high-fire cul-de-sacs. These updates align with both California State ADU Guidelines and the California Building Standards Code, ensuring safety while balancing neighborhood character.

San Diego 2025 ADU Rules at a Glance

• Lot size: No minimum required.
• Maximum size: Up to 1,200 sq ft for detached or attached ADUs.
• Setbacks: At least 4 feet from side and rear property lines.
• Parking: One off-street space required unless waived (e.g., within ½ mile of public transit or if converting an existing garage).

New restrictions (2025 updates):

• Cap on multi-ADUs in single-family neighborhoods.
• Two-story height limit for most neighborhoods (ADU Geeks).
• No ADUs allowed on high-fire cul-de-sacs.

“The people who live here, who have lived here for decades, are not against housing but they are against speculative development that undermines public safety and livability.” — Jennifer Campbell, Councilmember (ADU Geeks)

Before vs. After: San Diego ADU Regulations

What Do San Diego ADU Permits Cost?

In San Diego, most homeowners spend between $6,500 and $21,000 on city-related ADU permit fees, which generally include the application fee, plan check fee, and utility connections. These fees are only a portion of the overall budget, as the median statewide construction cost of an ADU is about $150,000—roughly $250 per square foot—according to the Terner Center. Exact permit costs vary depending on your project’s size, whether the unit is under 750 sq. ft. (qualifying for certain ADU permit fee waivers), and site-specific utilities connections such as water, sewer, or SDG&E interconnection. For some projects, additional items like fire sprinklers or compliance with the California Building Standards Code can also impact costs.

Key Takeaway for Homeowners

Budget $6k–$20k for permit-related city fees, then account for construction as the largest expense. Smaller ADUs under 750 sq. ft., especially those located in Transit Priority Areas, may qualify for reduced or waived impact fees, while larger detached units may trigger higher Development Impact Fees. Regardless of size, the majority of overall cost comes from construction—averaging $150,000 statewide—with final numbers influenced by factors like site work, zoning limits, and the type of ADU (detached, attached, or Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit).

Common ADU Permit-Related Fees in San Diego

How to Breeze Through the Process

The fastest way to secure your ADU permit in County of San Diego is to use pre-approved plans, work with an experienced licensed contractor or ADU Consultant, and submit a complete, code-compliant package from day one. Quick responses to City review comments are critical, and you should be ready for added steps if your property falls within the California Coastal Commission’s Coastal Overlay Zone or other special areas. Knowing how the Zoning Ordinance and construction standards apply to your site can help you avoid delays and unexpected costs.

Pro Tips for a Smooth ADU Permit Approval

• Use Pre-Approved ADU Plans
  San Diego accepts permit-ready designs that can shorten review times to about 30 days, saving weeks of corrections and resubmittals.
• Work With Experienced ADU Pros
  Homeowners often describe the permitting process as feeling like “going to court without a lawyer”—a phrase highlighted by the Casita Coalition. Partnering with a local team like Better Place Design & Build, which specializes in ADUs, avoids delays and ensures compliance with the California Building Standards Code and city requirements.
• Submit a Complete Application Upfront
  Provide all required documents—site plan, floor plans, Title 24 energy reports, and structural details—when you file your application. Missing items or incomplete packages are one of the top causes of delays and added permit check fees.
• Be Proactive With Corrections
  If reviewers request clarifications, reply within days. Timely responses can prevent extended hold-ups and keep your permit moving forward.
• Watch for Special Zones
  Properties in areas like High Fire Hazard Zones or the Coastal Zone may require additional permits or reviews. Check Information Bulletin 400 early so you understand setback regulations, parking requirements, and subdivision mapping rules that may apply.

Always work with an experienced ADU consultant or licensed contractor—expert guidance keeps your submittals compliant and avoids costly resubmittals.

Resources for Homeowners

Navigating the ADU permit process in San Diego doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. These trusted resources provide clear guidance on zoning regulations, setback requirements, parking standards, and construction standards—everything a homeowner should review before starting their project.

• City of San Diego – Information Bulletin 400 (ADUs & JADUs)
  The City’s official guide covering Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADUs), including size limits, lot coverage, parking requirements, and step-by-step permitting details.
  👉 Read Information Bulletin 400
• California Department of Housing & Community Development (HCD) – ADU Handbook
  A statewide resource explaining California State ADU Guidelines, homeowner rights, and best practices. It’s the definitive source for understanding how California state legislature reforms like Senate Bill 1069 and AB 671 protect your right to build.
  👉 Download the HCD ADU Handbook
• Casita Coalition – ADU Equity & Policy Insights
  A nonprofit dedicated to ADU policy and technical assistance, with research on barriers such as financing, owner occupancy, and unpermitted ADUs that some homeowners face in the permitting process.
  👉 Explore Casita Coalition Insights
• San Diego ADU Rent Data
  Local rent trends for ADUs across neighborhoods, helping homeowners estimate ROI and plan for affordable rental housing or family use. These insights can also guide decisions about financing, whether through traditional construction loans or an ADU Finance Program.
  👉 Explore detailed San Diego ADU rent data and affordability analysis (CHPD)

Rely on trusted resources like Information Bulletin 400 and the HCD ADU Handbook to navigate zoning regulations and avoid unpermitted ADU issues.

Conclusion

Building an ADU in San Diego can seem overwhelming at first, but with the right preparation and support, the process becomes both manageable and rewarding. From understanding the Zoning and Land Use Regulations and local city ordinance updates to navigating permit fees, inspections, and construction standards, homeowners who plan carefully are well-positioned to benefit from added living space, rental income, and long-term resale value.

At Better Place Design & Build, we specialize in guiding homeowners through every step—whether you’re pursuing a detached unit in an RS Zone, exploring opportunities under the Bonus ADU Program, or ensuring compliance with updated setback rules and solar PV system requirements. With over 15 years of expertise, our team provides full project management support, ensuring your ADU is designed, permitted, and built to code. The result is a smoother experience, greater confidence, and the chance to bring your vision to life while boosting property value and creating much-needed affordable rent options for the community.

A well-designed ADU not only adds rental income potential but also maximizes long-term resale value—design decisions directly impact ROI.