La Mesa
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. (some properties may be limited to 800 sq. ft.).
Height:
R1E to R2 Zones: 20 feet maximum.
R3 and RB Zones: 30 feet maximum.
Setbacks:
Front Yard: Must follow zoning regulations.
Side and Rear Yards: Minimum 4 feet.
Building Separation:
Minimum 6 feet between a detached ADU and other structures.
Parking:
Rules: Parking may be required unless exemptions apply
Exemptions
Parking is waived for ADUs:
Within 1⁄2 mile of public transit.
Converted from existing structures like garages.
Located near car-share facilities.
Key Requirements of Attached ADU
Maximum Size: Up to 1,200 sq. ft.
Height: Must follow local zoning limits, with allowances for two-story ADUs.
Setbacks:
Front Yard: Must follow zoning regulations.
Side and Rear Yards: Minimum 4 feet.
Parking:
Rules: Flexible requirements based on exemptions.
Exemptions: No parking required for ADUs near public transit or converted from existing structures.
Key Requirements of Conversion ADU
Maximum Size: Based on the size of the converted structure.
Height: Matches the existing structure’s height.
Setbacks:
Front Yard: Zoning rules apply.
Side and Rear Yards: Setbacks are waived for conversions.
Parking:
Rules: No replacement parking is required for converted garages.
Exemptions: Parking is waived near public transit or in car-share
proximity.
Key Requirements of JADUs
Maximum Size: 500 sq. ft.
Heights: Matches the height of the primary residence.
Setbacks:
Front Yard: Must adhere to zoning regulations.
Side and Rear Yards: Not applicable for conversions within the home.
Parking:
Rules: No parking is required for JADUs.
Exemptions: Garage conversions for JADUs do not require replacement parking.
La Mesa
Additional Requirements in La Mesa
How large can a detached ADU be?
Answer: Detached ADUs can be up to 1,200 sq. ft., with some properties
limited to 800 sq. ft. based on conditions.
What’s the maximum size for an attached ADU?
Answer: Attached ADUs can be 1,200 sq. ft. or up to 50% of the primary
home’s size, whichever is smaller.
Do setbacks apply to ADUs?
Answer: Yes, side and rear yard setbacks are a minimum of 4 feet.
Are two-story ADUs allowed?
Answer: Yes, two-story ADUs are permitted, with height limits of 20-30 feet
depending on the zoning.
Can I convert my garage into an ADU?
Answer: Yes, garage conversions are allowed, and replacement parking is
not required.
Is parking required for ADUs?
Answer: Parking is waived for ADUs within 1⁄2 mile of public transit, garage
conversions, or near car-share facilities.
What utilities are required for ADUs?
Answer: ADUs can share utilities with the main home, but separate
connections may be required for detached units.
Can I build an ADU on a multifamily property?
Answer: Yes, up to 2 detached ADUs are allowed, and conversion ADUs are
permitted for up to 25% of existing units.
Is there an owner-occupancy requirement for ADUs?
Answer: No, owner-occupancy is not required for ADUs. However, JADUs
require the owner to live in the primary residence or JADU.
Can I rent out my ADU?
Answer: Yes, ADUs and JADUs can be rented for terms longer than 30 days
(no short-term rentals).
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