Vista
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. for all lot sizes.
Height:
Limited to 16 feet.
Two-story detached ADUs are permitted, with a height limit of 25 feet, subject to zoning rules.
Setbacks:
Front Yard: Must comply with the primary zoning district's
front setback.
Side and Rear Yards: Minimum 4 feet from property lines.
Parking
Rules: One off-street parking space may be required unless exempt.
Exemptions:
Within 1⁄2 mile of public transit.
Located within or converted from an existing structure, such as a garage.
Situated in a historic district or adjacent to a car-share facility.
Key Requirements of
Attached ADU
Maximum Size: Limited to 50% of the existing residence’s size, up to 1,200 sq. ft.
Height:
Cannot exceed the height of the primary dwelling.
Setbacks:
Front Yard: Must match the primary residence’s zoning setbacks.
Side and Rear Yards: Minimum 4 feet from property lines.
Parking
Rules: One off-street parking space may be required.
Exemptions:
Within 1⁄2 mile of public transit.
Part of a converted garage or other existing structure.
Located in a historic district or near car-share facilities.
Key Requirements of
Conversion ADU
Maximum Size:
Based on the size of the structure being converted.
Expansions of up to 150 sq. ft. are allowed for ingress/egress purposes.
Height: Matches the height of the existing structure.
Setbacks:
Front Yard: No new setbacks required.
Side and Rear Yards: No setbacks for converted structures.
Parking
Rules: No additional parking is required.
Exemptions: Replacement parking is not required if a garage is converted.
Key Requirements of JADUs
Maximum Size: Limited to 500 sq. ft.
Height: Matches the height of the primary home.
Setbacks:
Front Yard: Must adhere to primary zoning requirements.
Side and Rear Yards: No new setbacks required for spaces already within the primary structure.
Parking
Rules: No additional parking is required.
Exemptions: Garage conversions do not require replacement parking.
Vista
Additional Requirements in Vista
How long does it take to get an ADU permit in Vista?
Answer: ADU permits typically take 4–6 months for approval.
Do I need to live on the property to build an ADU?
Answer: No, owner-occupancy is not required for detached or attached ADUs. However, JADUs require owner-occupancy for either the JADU or the main residence.
Can I build an ADU on a lot with a multifamily property?
Answer: Yes, you can convert non-habitable spaces (e.g., storage rooms) into ADUs or build up to 2 detached ADUs.
Are there impact fees for ADUs in Vista?
Answer: ADUs under 750 sq. ft. are exempt from impact fees. Larger ADUs incur proportional fees.
Do I need a new utility connection for my ADU?
Answer: Shared utility connections are common for attached and conversion ADUs. Detached ADUs may require separate metering.
Can I use my ADU as a short-term rental?
Answer: No, ADUs in Vista are for long-term rentals only (minimum 30 days).
What types of spaces can I convert into an ADU?
Answer: Garages, basements, storage rooms, and other accessory structures can be converted into ADUs.
What design standards apply to ADUs?
Answer: ADUs must complement the primary home’s materials, colors, and architectural style.
What design standards apply to ADUs?
Answer: ADUs must complement the primary home’s materials, colors, and architectural style.
Can I build an ADU and a JADU on the same property?
Answer: Yes, one ADU and one JADU are allowed per single-family lot.
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