ADU (Accessory Dwelling Units)

In January 2017, a new state law made it easier for homeowners to build an accessory dwelling unit up to 1,200-square-feet.

Accessory dwelling units are also known as granny flats or caregiver cottages. SB 1069 is meant to boost affordable housing. Granny flats are not only a solution for families, but they can also be rented.

The bill removes some of the requirements to build a second unit, such as fire sprinklers (if the main house doesn’t require them), new water and sewer hook-up fees, and additional parking if units are within a half mile of public transit or located in an architecturally and historically significant district. It also shortens the time cities can take to issue permits from 120 days to 90 days. While a previous proposal kept to a footprint of 700 square feet, the new law allows second units up to 1200 square feet.

You can even include some custom design choices, such as:

• Handicapped accessible
• 36″ door width
• Grab bars
• Raised toilets
• Anti-scald devices
• Handicap ramps
• Chairlifts
• Walk-in Showers
• And much more…

There may be some site limitations determined by location and lot size. Permits are a must, but we handle this for you in our design phase. The homes we show on this page reflect some we have installed that are legal in San Diego County.

Click on any plan to view an enlargement