San Diego's Municipal Code permits one junior ADU with a single home and requires the record owner to live in the home or junior unit. Information Bulletin 400 describes an exception for a unit with its own bathroom, but this page follows the City code's requirement.
Last verified 2026-10-18. Rules change; the City of San Diego Development Services Department has the final word.
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San Diego Municipal Code 141.0302(c)(1)(E) says the record owner of the primary home must reside in that home or its junior ADU. Confirm that requirement with Development Services before relying on a proposed layout.
San Diego Municipal Code 141.0302(c)(1)(E)Information Bulletin 400 says a junior ADU with its own bathroom is exempt from owner occupancy. That differs from the published Municipal Code; ask Development Services which reading it applies to this property.
City of San Diego Information Bulletin 400, JADU requirements| Type | Est. all-in cost | Est. rent |
|---|---|---|
| Junior ADU (inside the house) | $85,000-$160,000 | $1,500-$1,900/mo |
Estimates for a first conversation, not bids or appraisals. Source: LotUpside price book sd-2026-10. Provisional estimate: rent, build-cost and value figures come from San Diego price lists and City fee schedules and have not yet been checked against a local builder's quote. They are not quotes, bids or appraisals.
Ask the City of San Diego Development Services Department before you rely on these.
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San Diego Municipal Code 141.0302(c)(1)(E) requires the record owner to live in the primary home or junior ADU. Information Bulletin 400 describes an exception when the junior unit has its own bathroom, but the published code retains its requirement. Ask Development Services about that difference.
No. Government Code 66333(c) requires a deed restriction against separate sale, and San Diego Municipal Code 141.0302(c)(1)(D) says the junior ADU may not be sold or conveyed separately from the home.
San Diego Municipal Code 141.0302(a)(8) says junior ADUs are not subject to its ADU rental-term limit, while City Information Bulletin 400 and Government Code 66333(g) call for rentals longer than 30 days. Plan on a term longer than 30 days and confirm with Development Services.
Neither. It is a screening from public records, not professional advice, and not a survey, soils report, appraisal, loan offer or permit; every number is an estimate. A licensed designer confirms the final plan, and your city or county gives final approval.