El Cajon
Detached ADUs
Independent living units up to 1,200 sq. ft.
Attached ADUs
offering up to 1,200 sq. ft. with direct connection
Conversion ADUs
Conversion ADUs: Transform Existing Spaces
JADUs
Affordable 500 sq. ft. units within existing homes.
Key Requirements of Detached ADU
Maximum Size: Up to 1,200 sq. ft.
Height: Single-story ADUs: 16 feet; Two-story ADUs: Up to 20 feet with 5-foot setbacks.
Setbacks:
Front Yard: Must comply with zoning regulations.
HSide and Rear Yards: Minimum 4 feet.
Parking:
Rules: Parking may be required unless exemptions apply.
Exemptions: Waived if the ADU is near public transit or converts a garage/carport.
Key Requirements of Attached ADU
Maximum Size: Up to 1,200 sq. ft.
Height: Matches the height of the existing primary residence.
Setbacks:
Maximum Size: Up to 1,200 sq. ft.
Height: Matches the height of the existing primary residence.
Parking:
Rules: Parking is not required in most cases.
Exemptions: Applies to public transit proximity or garage conversions.
Key Requirements of Conversion ADU
Maximum Size: Based on the size of the converted space; no strict square footage limit.
Height: Matches the existing structure’s height.
Setbacks:
Front Yard: Must comply with zoning rules.
Side and Rear Yards: Setbacks are waived for existing structures being converted.
Parking:
Rules: Parking is not required for garage or storage conversions.
Exemptions: Conversions near public transit automatically qualify for exemptions.
Key Requirements of JADUs
Maximum Size: 500 sq. ft.
Heights: Matches the primary home’s height.
Setbacks:
Front Yard: Zoning rules apply.
Side and Rear Yards: Exempt when converting an existing part of the home.
Parking:
Rules: No additional parking is required.
Exemptions: Automatically waived when converting an attached garage.
El Cajon
Additional Requirements in El Cajon
How large can a detached ADU be?
Answer: Detached ADUs can be up to 1,200 sq. ft.
Are two-story ADUs allowed?
Answer: Yes, two-story ADUs are allowed, with a height limit of 20 feet and 5-foot setbacks.
What’s the size limit for attached ADUs?
Answer: Attached ADUs are capped at 1,200 sq. ft. or 50% of the primary home’s size, whichever is smaller.
Do setback rules apply to all ADUs?
Answer: Yes, side and rear yard setbacks are 4 feet. For two-story ADUs, 5- foot setbacks apply.
Can I convert my garage into an ADU?
Answer: Yes, garage conversions are allowed, and no replacement parking is required.
Is parking required for ADUs?
Answer: Parking is waived for ADUs near public transit or if a garage is converted.
How many ADUs can I build on my single-family property?
Answer: You can build 1 ADU and 1 JADU on a single-family property.
Are multifamily properties eligible for ADUs?
Answer: Yes, multifamily properties can add up to 2 detached ADUs and convert non-livable spaces.
What are JADUs, and how do they differ?
Answer: JADUs are up to 500 sq. ft., created within the main home, and require an efficiency kitchen and separate entrance.
How long does the permitting process take?
Answer: Permits are typically approved within 4–6 months.
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