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What you can build

Santee ADU Regulations & Zoning

KEY RULES AT A GLANCE
Size and Separation

Maximum size 1200 square feet

Side/rear setbacks 4 feet

Two story Yes, in some situations

Building separation 6 feet

Additional Requirements

Soils Report No

Building Verification Survey No

Coastal permit (in some areas) No

Stormwater Mitigation No

Number of ADUs Allowed

  • On Santee single-family residential zoned lots, you may build one ADU (either attached or detached) and one Junior ADU (JADUs have an owner occupancy requirement and must be converted from existing space within the primary residence).

  • The maximum height for detached accessory dwelling units shall be sixteen feet. However, in some situations, state law allows up to 20′, so a two story may be possible in these scenarios:

    • Property is within 1/2 mile of public transit

    • Lot is multifamily with existing 2+ story dwelling

    The maximum height for internal and attached accessory dwelling units and junior accessory dwelling units may not exceed the max height limit for the underlying zone.

    In Santee, height means the vertical distance, excluding foundations or understructures or basements, between the elevation of the finished floor level and the peak of the structure. “Finished floor level” means the uppermost surface of a floor without any applied finishes, typically the screed finish of a concrete slab or foundation.

    Read more about two story ADUs and height limits.

ADU Size & Building Constraints

  • Santee allows for a detached or attached ADU up to 1,200 sqft, so long as the ADU conforms to four foot side and rear setbacks, as well as underlying front setbacks.

    ADUs up to 800 square feet are exempt from lot coverage requirements and front yard setbacks. (Meaning: You can build an ADU of this size even if you’re maxed out on lot coverages).

  • The maximum height for detached accessory dwelling units shall be sixteen feet. However, in some situations, state law allows up to 20′, so a two story may be possible in these scenarios:

    • Property is within 1/2 mile of public transit

    • Lot is multifamily with existing 2+ story dwelling

    The maximum height for internal and attached accessory dwelling units and junior accessory dwelling units may not exceed the max height limit for the underlying zone.

    In Santee, height means the vertical distance, excluding foundations or understructures or basements, between the elevation of the finished floor level and the peak of the structure. “Finished floor level” means the uppermost surface of a floor without any applied finishes, typically the screed finish of a concrete slab or foundation.

    Read more about two story ADUs and height limits.

ADU Setbacks

  • ADUs must have 4′ minimum setbacks from rear and side-yard property lines, with front yard setback per zoning standards. An exception is for an ADU constructed in the same location and to the same dimensions of an existing structure (e.g. garage).

  • Accessory dwelling units must maintain a minimum separation of six feet from main buildings. Accessory structures must maintain a minimum separation of five feet from all structures.

Additional Requirements

  • No, Santee just enabled a digital portal to eliminate in-person requirements.

  • No, San Diego does not mandate soils reports for ADUs.

  • No areas are subject to Coastal requirements.

Parking

  • A parking space is not required for an ADU in any of the following instances:

    • Within a one-half mile walking distance from public transit, which includes bus stops.

    • Within an established historic district.

    • Converted from the existing space of a primary residence or accessory structure, or are attached to an existing or proposed primary residence.

  • If a parking space is required, it may be located within the setbacks and in an existing driveway as tandem parking. Parking spaces don’t need to be replaced when a garage, carport, or covered parking structure is demolished in conjunction with the construction of an ADU or converted to an ADU.

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