Build an ADU in Chula Vista, California

Browse ADU plans, match with builders, and learn what you can build in San Diego County
Filters
Sort
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Browse Plans
Filter Selected
No items found.

Overview

Chula Vista is located in San Diego County in California. Chula Vista has a
total population of 243916 over a land mass of 49.63 Square Miles. When it comes
to ADUs, the city allows for 1+ ADUs on a given property, and a square footage
of 850-1,000 sf

Number of ADUs Allowed

1+

Size of ADU Allowed

850-1,000 sf

Types of ADUs Allowed

Detached, Junior, Attached

Permit Cost

Coming Soon

Number of ADUs allowed

Under state law, each single-family home may now build at least one Accessory
Dwelling Unit. Owner occupied single-family lots may build one Accessory
Dwelling Unit and one Junior ADU. Multi-family lots, per every four existing
residential units, may build one Accessory Dwelling Unit, so long as the
existing units were legally established.

Property Requirements

Single-family and multi-family Lots will be permitted to create up to 850 square
ft. for a one bed ADU or up to 1,000 square ft. for a two bed ADU, regardless of
the underlying zoning standards of the property. A Junior Accessory Dwelling
Unit up to 500 square ft. is permitted. The minimum size of any living unit
(including ADUs and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units) is 150 square ft. according
to Califronia Residential Code. ~ According To AB68

Types of ADUs Allowed

Attached ADU

An attached ADU is one that is attached to your house. Also know as Addition ADUs or “bump-out ADUs. These types of ADUs can be accessed from the primary house with a door in the connection point, but also can be independent of the main home.

Detached ADU

A detached ADU is not connected to your primary house. The dwelling needs to be within your property setbacks and allowable building size (both height and square footage).

Junior ADU

Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADUs) are named this way because they are small (up to 500 square feet).

In California, the recent state bills AB68 and AB 881 permits both an ADU and a Junior ADU (JADU) on the same lot with a proposed or existing single-family dwelling. This means you can have two units on your lot: ADU, and JADU.

Property Requirements

Ownership
Between between 2020 and 2025, owner occupancy requirements will not apply to
new Accessory Dwelling Units. (applicable to new construction and conversion
units) ~ SB-13
Number of ADUs Allowed
Under state law, each single-family home may now build at least one Accessory
Dwelling Unit. Owner occupied single-family lots may build one Accessory
Dwelling Unit and one Junior ADU. Multi-family lots, per every four existing
residential units, may build one Accessory Dwelling Unit, so long as the
existing units were legally established.
ADU Size
Residential lots will not be subject to any minimum lot size for Accessory
Dwelling Units by ordinance or of the underlying zoning district. ~ Updated:
State Law AB-68
Parking
Replacement parking shall not apply to parcels which convert an existing garage
to an Accessory Dwelling Unit or Junior ADU. ~ According To AB68
Height
State Standards don't specify height restrictions.
Fire Safety
Accessory dwelling units shall not be required to provide fire sprinklers if
they are not required for the primary residence and may employ alternative
methods for fire protection. (State requirements)
Utility Connections
Local health officer approval where a private sewage disposal system is being
used, if required. (State requirements)
Aesthetic
State Standards don't specify design restrictions.
Set backs
The maximum required setback for a detached new construction ADU shall be no
more than 4 ft from the rear and side property lines. Setbacks will not be
required for ADUs and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units converted from existing
space that was legally eastablished. Attached ADUs and conversions from existing
space to be expanded will be required to comply with the setbacks of the
underlying zone. ~ AB68 & AB881 Update

Design Review

State Standards don't require any additional design review.

Next Steps

To get started on your ADU, here are some first steps.

Call Your City

Search Google for your city’s contact number. eg “City of {Phoenix} Residential Permits Contact Number”

You can call the main line and get directed to the permitting department.

Ask these questions...

1) Can I put a secondary home on my lot (Accessory Dwelling Unit)?
2) What are my livable setbacks, and ADU size regulations?
3) Can I put a prefabricated guest house on my property?

Get Started With a Modular Home

Find a Modular Home

Use our prefab discovery tool to help you find the perfect home.

Get a Site Analysis

See what can go on your property. A site Analysis is the first step for any construction

Start with a Site Analysis