(more detailed regulation information is available on our sister-site: San Diego ADU Regulations)
ADU Parking Requirements by City
✅ = Parking Required | ❌ = No Parking Required (Exempt)
| City | Detached ADU | Attached ADU | Garage Conversion ADU | JADU |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Diego | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Carlsbad | ✅* | ✅* | ❌ | ❌ |
| Chula Vista | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Encinitas | ✅* | ✅* | ❌ | ❌ |
| Escondido | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| La Mesa | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| El Cajon | ✅* | ✅* | ❌ | ❌ |
| National City | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Oceanside | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Solana Beach | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Vista | ✅* | ✅* | ❌ | ❌ |
*Some cities like Carlsbad, El Cajon, and Vista may require one parking space for Detached/Attached ADUs unless you qualify for an exemption (see below).
Common ADU Parking Exemptions
- Property is within ½ mile of public transit
- The ADU is created by converting an existing garage or carport
- Property is located near a car-share facility
- ADU is a JADU built within the main home
- Located in a historic district or restricted parking zone (varies by city)
What If Parking Is Required?
Most cities allow creative, low-impact options like:
- Tandem parking in a driveway
- Uncovered spaces in front or side yards
- Setback parking that doesn’t require paving or a garage
Let CRS Builders Help You Build Smarter
- We verify your parking exemptions before plans are submitted
- We handle all zoning, setbacks, and building code checks
- We design ADUs around your property’s unique constraints—saving you time and money
Ready to get started? Call 858-788-3839 or schedule a free consultation online.
Final Thoughts
Understanding your city’s parking requirements is critical to building an efficient, compliant ADU. Fortunately, most cities across San Diego County offer generous exemptions. But you have to know the rules—and that’s where we come in.
Contact CRS Builders today to simplify your build and maximize your space without the guesswork.