Overview

• In a 5-4 vote on June 16, councilmembers approved amendments to the Bonus Accessory Dwelling Unit program designed to curb developer exploitation and protect single-family neighborhood character despite state warnings that rollbacks could threaten San Diego’s pro-housing status.
• The new rules limit ADUs to four units on lots smaller than 8,000 square feet, five on lots between 8,001 and 10,000 square feet and six on larger parcels, while also capping ADU height at two stories.
• The ordinance requires off-street parking for units located outside transit priority areas and establishes a community enhancement fee to fund local infrastructure impacts.
• Additional provisions ban ADUs on cul-de-sacs in high wildfire-risk zones, cap individual unit size at 1,200 square feet and permit bonus dwellings to be sold rather than rented.
• The changes must undergo a second council reading and receive mayoral approval before taking effect, with an effective date expected as early as August.