Independent living units up to 1,200 sq. ft.
offering up to 1,200 sq. ft. with direct connection
Conversion ADUs: Transform Existing Spaces
Affordable 500 sq. ft. units within existing homes.
1,200 sq. ft. for detached units.
850 sq. ft. for studios or 1-bedroom units.
1,000 sq. ft. for units with more than 1 bedroom.
Standard: 16 feet.
Up to 18 feet near major transit stops.
Additional 2 feet allowed for matching the primary residence’s roof pitch.
4 feet minimum for side and rear property lines.
No new setbacks required for conversions of existing spaces (e.g., garages).
Exemptions: No parking required if the ADU is:
Within 1⁄2 mile of public transit.
Located in a historic district.
A garage conversion.
In an area with on-street permit restrictions.
Adjacent to a car-share program.
If parking is required, tandem or setback parking is permitted.
Maximum Size: Up to 1,200 sq. ft. or 50% of the primary residence’s size.
Height: Matches the height of the primary dwelling, up to 25 feet.s.
Setbacks: 4 feet minimum for side and rear yards.
Design: Must match the primary residence’s materials, color, and architectural style.
Parking:
Exemptions: Same as detached ADUs, with no parking required for qualifying conditions.
Maximum Size: Limited by the size of the existing structure.
Height: Matches the height of the existing structure.
Setbacks: No new setbacks required for conversions.
Parking: No replacement parking is required for garage conversions.
Maximum Size: 500 sq. ft.
Location: Must be entirely within the primary residence or attached garage.
Owner-Occupancy: Required for either the primary dwelling or the JADU.
Parking: No parking required.
Features:
Independent exterior entrance.
Efficiency kitchen (small sink, food prep area, and cooking appliances).
Shared or separate sanitation facilities.
Answer: Detached ADUs can be up to 1,200 sq. ft., with size limits of 850–
1,000 sq. ft. based on the number of bedrooms.
Answer: Yes, attached ADUs are limited to 50% of the primary residence’s size, up to 1,200 sq. ft.
Answer: Parking is waived if the ADU is near public transit, part of a garage conversion, or within areas with restricted parking.
Answer: Yes, with height limits of 16–18 feet, depending on proximity to transit stops and roof pitch requirements.
Answer: A minimum of 4 feet for side and rear property lines. Existing structure conversions require no new setbacks.
Answer: A JADU is a smaller unit (≤ 500 sq. ft.) created within the primary
residence and requires an efficiency kitchen and owner occupancy.
Answer: ADUs may share utilities with the primary residence. Detached
units may require separate connections.
Answer: The city must approve or deny ADU permits within 60 days.
Answer: Yes, but only for long-term rentals (31+ days). Short-term vacation
rentals are not allowed.
Answer: ADUs under 750 sq. ft. are exempt from impact fees. Larger units
incur proportional fees based on size.
Every project tells a story of transformation. At CRS Builders, we craft more than structures—we shape environments that inspire and elevate. Discover how homeowners across San Diego have reimagined their spaces with our expertise, creating lasting impressions and meaningful living experiences.
4885 Ronson Ct Suite J,
San Diego 92111
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