ADU Rules in Chula Vista

Chula Vista permits Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and Junior ADUs (JADUs) on residential properties. In 2025, the city repealed its local ADU ordinance (CVMC Sections 19.58.022 and 19.58.023) via Ordinance 3592 and now defers entirely to California state ADU law (Government Code §65852.2). This means state standards apply directly without additional local restrictions.

What You Can Build

Single-Family Lots (R-E, R-1, R-2)

• One ADU (attached or detached) plus one JADU per lot
• Detached ADU: up to 1,200 square feet
• Attached ADU: up to 50% of primary dwelling or 850 sq ft (1-bed) / 1,000 sq ft (2+ bed), whichever is greater
• JADU: up to 500 square feet within existing or proposed single-family structure

Multifamily Lots (R-3)

• Conversion ADUs: Up to 25% of existing units (minimum 1)
• Detached ADUs: Up to 2 new detached ADUs per property
• Per SB 1211 (effective January 2025): up to 8 detached ADUs on multifamily lots

Size Limits

Setbacks

• Front setback: Must comply with base zone (15–25 ft depending on R-1 sub-zone)
• Side setback: 4 feet (new construction)
• Rear setback: 4 feet (new construction)
• Conversion exception: Structures converted from existing legal buildings maintain their current setbacks, even if nonconforming

Height

• Detached ADU: 16 feet (general); 18 feet within ½ mile of a major transit stop or on a multifamily lot
• Attached ADU: Must not exceed the height of the primary dwelling
• Near transit with 2 stories: Up to 18 feet allowed

Parking

Under state law, no additional parking is required when the ADU is:

• Within half a mile of a public transit stop
• Within a designated historic district
• Part of a conversion from existing structure
• On a lot where a garage is demolished or converted for the ADU

In other situations, a maximum of one parking space per ADU may be required. Tandem and uncovered spaces are permitted.

Owner Occupancy

• ADUs: Owner occupancy is not required (per AB 976)
• JADUs: The property owner must occupy either the JADU or the primary residence

Permit Process

ADU permits are processed through ministerial review — no public hearing, no discretionary approval, and no CEQA review.

1. Zoning check: Verify your property's zone using the ZoneFinder
2. Plan preparation: Prepare plans meeting California Building Code requirements
3. Submit application: File with the Development Services Department at 276 Fourth Avenue, Building B
4. Plan review: The city has 60 days to approve or deny a complete application
5. Permit issuance: Receive building permit and begin construction
6. Inspections: Schedule required inspections during construction
7. Final approval: Certificate of Occupancy upon passing final inspection

Contact Development Services at (619) 691-5101 for permit information.

Fees and Costs

• ADUs under 750 square feet are exempt from development impact fees per state law
• No school fees for ADUs under 750 sq ft
• Building permit, plan check, and utility connection fees apply
• The city cannot charge impact fees that exceed the proportionate share based on ADU size relative to the primary dwelling

Key Considerations

• Chula Vista has no local ADU ordinance — California state law applies directly
• Large portions of eastern Chula Vista are governed by Sectional Planning Area (SPA) plans under the Planned Community (P-C) zone — ADU rules still apply per state law
• Fire sprinklers are required only if the primary dwelling also has sprinklers
• Short-term rentals (less than 30 days) are prohibited for ADUs under state law
• HOAs cannot outright prohibit ADUs under California law, though they may impose reasonable design standards

Official Resources

• Chula Vista ADU Information
• Chula Vista Development Services
• California Government Code §65852.2
• Chula Vista ZoneFinder