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What you can build
Chula Vista ADU Regulations & Zoning
KEY RULES AT A GLANCE
Size and Separation
Maximum size 1200 square feet
Side/rear setbacks 4 feet
Two story Yes
Building separation 6 feet
Additional Requirements
Soils Report Yes
Building Verification Survey No
Coastal permit (in some areas) Yes
Stormwater Mitigation No
Number of ADUs Allowed
On Chula Vista single-family residential 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).
Chula Vista allows up to 2 detached ADUs for multifamily lots with an existing multi-family building. (Meaning: In order to build 2 ADUs, the property must already have at least a duplex on it, not just a single family dwelling)
Effective Jan 2025 (SB1211): Multifamily property owners are permitted to build as many ADUs as there are existing units, with a maximum of eight detached ADUs. This change is due to California state law and will pre-empt existing local laws that are not brought into conformance.
Additionally, a minimum of one accessory dwelling unit, or up to 25 percent of the existing multifamily units, is permitted within an existing multifamily dwelling, as a result of the conversion of non-habitable space including, but not limited to, storage rooms, boiler rooms, passageways, attics, basements, or garages.
ADU Size & Building Constraints
Chula Vista allows for a detached ADU up to 1200 sqft. ADUs up to 800 square feet are exempt from lot coverage requirements. (Meaning: You can build an ADU of this size even if you’re maxed out on lot coverages).
The height of a detached ADU may be the same as the height limit for the primary residence in accordance with the underlying zone. So a two-story ADU may be built so long as it does not exceed the height limit for that zone. The ADU shall also be no greater than two stories.
The total floor area for an attached accessory dwelling unit shall not exceed 50 percent of the total floor area of the proposed or existing primary residence, or 850 square feet for a one-bedroom unit and 1,000 square feet for a unit with more than one bedroom, whichever is greater.
Dwelling units on the lot should be complementary or compatible in appearance with each other by incorporating matching architectural design, building materials, and colors of the primary residence with the accessory dwelling unit, and any other accessory structure built concurrently with the accessory dwelling unit. However, the primary residence may be modified to match the new accessory dwelling unit.
Setbacks
A new attached or detached accessory dwelling unit is allowed a setback of no less than four feet from the side and rear lot lines. In addition, an encroachment into the front yard setback is also allowed only if it is necessary to construct a minimum 800-square-foot unit.
The minimum required distance between structures is 6′ wall to wall.
Additional Requirements
Yes, Chula Vista requires in-person submission of plans, which means slightly higher processing and printing costs.
Yes, Chula Vista requires a soils report for all ADUs.
Yes, accessory dwelling units developed within the coastal zone may be subject to requirements of the Local Coastal Program (LCP), which for Chula Vista would be the Bayfront Local Coastal Program.
Parking
A parking space is not required for an ADU in any of the following instances:
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Within a one-half mile walking distance from public transit, which includes bus stops.
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Within an established historic district.
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Converted from the existing space of a primary residence or accessory structure, or are attached to an existing or proposed primary residence.
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The accessory dwelling unit is in an area where on-street parking permits are required, but not offered to the occupant of the accessory dwelling unit.
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The accessory dwelling unit is located within one block of a car share area.
Effective Jan 2025 (SB1211): When a garage, carport, covered parking structure, or uncovered parking space is demolished or converted for construction of an ADU, replacement parking will not be required.
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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.