San Diego Passes New Rules for ADUs: What Property Owners Need to Know
In a significant move that could reshape housing development in the city, the San Diego City Council has passed sweeping amendments to how Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are regulated. With a narrow 5–4 vote, the council approved changes designed to balance the city’s housing needs with the goal of preserving neighborhood character.
If you're a homeowner, real estate investor, or landlord in the city of San Diego, these updates could directly affect how and where you build—and manage—ADUs. At Uplift Property Management, we’re here to break down what the new rules mean and how they might impact your property plans.
What's Changing in San Diego's ADU Policy?
The new amendments to San Diego’s municipal code come at a time when ADUs are increasingly seen as a solution to the region's housing shortage. However, concerns about overdevelopment in residential areas have prompted the city to add more structure to its existing ADU incentives.
These are the key changes property owners should know about:
1. Limits on Number of Units per Lot
Previously, property owners could build multiple ADUs on one lot under various incentive programs. Now, the maximum number of ADUs will depend on lot size:
- Small lots will be limited to a total of four units
- Large lots might contain up to six units
This is an important shift that is meant to prevent high-density development from turning single-family neighborhoods into congested neighborhoods.
2. Infrastructure and Development Fees
Infrastructure fees shall be paid by developers when building ADUs. The fees are used in financing public facilities like sewer, water, and road infrastructure required to support denser housing.
3. More Restrictive Parking Requirements
If your ADU is not located near public transit, you’ll now need to provide off-street parking. This rule addresses concerns about increased congestion and limited street parking in residential areas.
4. New Size and Height Restrictions
- ADUs can be no more than two stories tall
- The maximum size is capped at 1,200 square feet
These restrictions are meant to preserve neighborhood scale and aesthetics, especially in communities where lot sizes are smaller or view corridors are a concern.
5. Enhanced Fire Safety Requirements
If your property is in a fire hazard severity zone, you’ll need to meet stricter safety regulations for ADU construction. This includes fire-resistant materials, increased setbacks, and possibly additional clearance or access requirements.
What’s Not Changing?
Importantly, the city did not restrict the ability to rent or sell ADUs separately from the main home. This leaves a door open for investors and homeowners interested in maximizing the value and income potential of their properties.
When Will These Rules Take Effect?
Another vote from the city council is expected within the coming months. If the amendments pass again, the new ADU regulations could take effect as soon as August 2025.
Uplift's Take: What It Means to You
At Uplift Property Management, we experience that being one step ahead of local policy changes is the secret to shrewd, compliant, and lucrative real estate investment. These fresh ADU regulations may affect your planning if you're:
- Considering building an ADU in 2025 or later
- Having a two-unit property on one lot
- Desiring to boost rental income with a second unit
Our team is still closely connected to local legislation and building code updates so we can help you modulate your plan without missing a beat. Whether you're weighing the viability of your property, working through permits, or figuring out how these regulations influence your investment in the long term, we can help.
Need Help Making Sense of the New ADU Rules?
If you’re a homeowner or investor wondering what these changes mean for your property, contact Uplift today. We’ll review your situation and help you plan next steps—from feasibility to future tenant placement. Call us or visit upliftpm.com to schedule a consultation. Let’s turn policy changes into property opportunities—together.
