The City worked with SnapADU to provide 12 ADU options, six different sized ADU's with flipped floor plans as an additional option. Depending on the size that you choose, ADU's ranging from one-to-three-bedrooms are available, as well as further customizations such as larger bedrooms or different kitchen layouts. See the different sizes and bedroom options below.

To assist applicants, contractors and property owners through the building permit application and plan submittal process, a checklist has been created provide an overview of the additional information that needs to be completed and provided in order for the City to accept City Standard ADU Plans as a complete submittal.  This checklist also provides information on additional forms or permits that may be required, contact details for third party agencies, and applicable fees.  This checklist should be included with your application, along with all of the required forms and documentation specified.  Please use the link below and review this checklist: Standard ADU Checklist

General Energy Compliance:

General energy compliance options are available for both climate zones 7 and 10, for slab-on-grade (SOG) and raised foundations (RF), as well as the number of bedrooms specific to your plan.  Please choose one of the available options as it pertains to your project.  For example, if you have chosen the 748 square-foot long ADU plan with 2 bedrooms and a raised foundation, the appropriate energy documentation for your project would be, 748 Square 2-Bedroom RF.

These calculations will need to be updated by an Energy Consultant specific to the location of your project prior to submittal

Hold Harmless Agreement and Affidavit:

Please be aware that in order to use the City Standard ADU plans, the hold harmless agreement and affidavit must be completed, signed, and submitted with the plans. 

Hold Harmless Agreement

Affidavit

City Standard ADU Plans & Energy Compliance Documentation:

Learn instantly if an ADU is allowed on your property with Symbium Build for Chula Vista.  Find and sketch ADU designs that fit your property and your needs, connect with ADU professionals, and get your free report with information about the cost and process of building an ADU. Review the 2-minute demo video for details on how to use the tool.

Q: How much will it cost to build an ADU/JADU?

The costs of building an ADU or JADU can vary, depending on the type of unit you are constructing and the complexity of your existing structure. Fees will be required at the time you submit your application and will be collected at different stages along the process. For more information on fees please visit our "How Much will Your Permit Cost" page. Applicable fees may include building permit fees (plan review and inspection), Fire Department plan review, Development Impact Fees (if any), and other fees charged by outside agencies (e.g. school districts, water/sewer districts).

Pursuant to California Government Code Section 65852.2(f)(3)(A), Junior Accessory Dwelling Units and Accessory Dwelling Units of less than 750 square feet are exempt from all development impact and in-lieu fees.  Accessory Dwelling Units 750 square feet or larger are charged proportionately to the primary residence, on a square footage basis.

Q: Are all ADU subject to paying Development Impact Fees?

A: ADU 750 sq ft and above are subject to paying Development Impact Fees. ADU below 750 sq ft are exempt.

Q: How will I know how much I will owe in Development Impact Fees?

A: A Development Impact Fee estimate will be provided to the permit applicant during the plan check review process. If you would like to request a preliminary estimate prior to applying for a permit, please contact Facilities Financing.

Q: I have received my Development Impact Fee estimate, are these fees guaranteed?

A: No, the rates on the Development Impact Fee Estimate are not binding. The Development Impact Fee rates are indexed annually October 1st the fees shall be calculated based on the rate in effect at the time of payment.

Q: When are Development Impact Fees due?

A: The permit applicant has the option of paying the Development Impact Fees at permit issuance or most of the Development Impact Fees, with the exception of Traffic Signal, may be deferred until final inspection.

Q: Are the permit fees and school fees included in the Development Impact Fees?

A: No, the permit fees and school fees are not part of the Development Impact Fees collected. Permit related fees will be determined during the permit intake process by DSD Front Counter staff, school fees are calculated by Sweetwater Union High School District and Chula Vista Elementary School district. For more information regarding permit fees and school fees contact the DSD Front Counter DSD@chulavistaca.gov or at 619-476-2332.

Facilities Financing Contact Information:

FF@chulavistaca.gov

For more information visit the Development Impact Fee website

Q: What is an accessory dwelling unit (ADU)?

A:  “Accessory dwelling unit” means an attached or a detached residential dwelling unit that provides complete independent living facilities for one or more persons and is located on a lot with a proposed or existing primary residence. An ADU shall have exterior access from the proposed or existing single-family dwelling. It shall include permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation on the same parcel as the single-family or multifamily dwelling is or will be situated. An ADU also includes the following:

1. An efficiency unit, as defined in Section 17958.1 of the Health and Safety Code.

2. A manufactured home, as defined in Section 18007 of the Health and Safety Code. (CVMC 19.58.022B)

Q: What is a junior accessory dwelling unit (junior ADU)?

A: “Junior accessory dwelling unit” means a unit that is no more than 500 square feet in size and contained entirely within the space of a proposed or existing single-family residence. A junior ADU may include separate sanitation facilities or may share sanitation facilities with the existing residence. (CVMC 19.58.023 A)

Q:  Where can I put an (ADU)?

A:  ADUs can be created in areas zoned to allow single-family or multifamily dwelling residential use. A coastal development permit may be required for ADUs within the coastal zone. (CVMC 19.58.022 C(1))

 ADUs may be attached to or located within a proposed or existing primary residence or accessory structure (including attached garages, storage areas or similar structures). ADUs may be detached from the primary residence. (CVMC 19.58.022 C(4)).

If a single-family or multifamily building exists on a lot that isn’t zoned for those uses, an ADU may not be permitted. JADUs are only allowed on lots zoned for single-family residential use.

Q:  Can I build a new residence at the same time I build an ADU?

A:  Yes: Construction of a primary residence can be in conjunction with the construction of an ADU. (CVMC 19.58.022 C(1))

Q:  How many ADUs can I build?

A:  a. An ADU is permitted on a lot with a proposed or existing single-family dwelling unit; or

b. Multiple ADUs are permitted within portions of multifamily buildings that are not used as liveable space including, but not limited to, storage rooms, boiler rooms, passageways, attics, basements, or garages; or

c. A minimum of one ADU, or up to 25 percent of the existing multifamily units, is permitted within an existing multifamily dwelling; or

d. Up to two detached ADUs shall be permitted on a lot with an existing multifamily dwelling.  (CVMC 19.58.022C(2))

Q:  How big can I build an ADU?

A: The total floor area for an attached ADU shall not exceed 50 percent of the total floor area of the proposed or existing primary residence, 850 square feet, or 1,000 square feet for a unit that provides more than one bedroom, whichever is greater.

b. An ADU of at least 800 square feet shall be permitted regardless of floor area ratio, lot coverage or open space requirements of the underlying zone.

c. The total floor area for a detached accessory dwelling shall not exceed 1,200 square feet.

d. An ADU within an existing accessory structure may be increased by a maximum of 150 square feet beyond the same physical dimensions as the existing accessory structure to accommodate ingress and egress.  (CVMC 19.58.022 C(3))

Q:  How tall can I build an ADU?

A:   An ADU, as measured from the ground, shall not exceed the height limit for the primary residence in accordance with the underlying zone, or 18 feet, whichever is greater.

Q: What are the setback requirements?

A: ADUs shall conform to the underlying zoning and land use development requirements for primary residences with the following exceptions:

a. A new attached or detached ADU is allowed a setback of no less than four feet from the side and rear lot lines.

b. A new detached ADU shall be located a minimum of six feet from a primary residence.

c. No setback shall be required for an existing garage, living area, or accessory structure constructed in the same dimensions that is converted to an ADU or to a portion of an ADU, and a setback of no less than four feet from the side and rear lot lines shall be required for an ADU that is constructed above an accessory structure. (CVMC 19.58.022 C(6))

Q:  Do I have to provide parking?

A: Parking for an ADU is not required in any of the following instances:

a. The ADU is located within one-half mile walking distance of public transit.

b. The ADU is within an architecturally and historically significant historic district.

c. The ADU is part of the proposed or existing primary residence or an accessory structure.

d. The ADU is in an area where on-street parking permits are required, but not offered to the occupant of the ADU.

e. The ADU is located within one block of a car share area. (CVMC 19.58.022 C(7))

f.   For purposes of evaluating a property for ADU appropriateness, a duplex is considered a multifamily building. A lot with a duplex can have up to two detached ADUs (CVMC 19.58.022 C.2.d). A duplex can also contain attached ADUs in accordance with CVMC 19.58.022 C.2.b and C.2.c.

g. A lot with two single-family homes may allow for one ADU (CVMC 19.58.022 C.2.a). A lot with two single-family homes cannot take advantage of provisions allowing multiple ADUs.

Q:  What if I want or need to provide parking for the ADU?

A:  Parking requirements for ADUs shall not exceed one parking space per unit or per bedroom, whichever is less. Parking spaces may be provided in tandem on a driveway; provided, that access to the garage for the primary residence is not obstructed. Off-street parking shall be permitted in setback areas or through tandem parking, unless specific findings are made that parking in setback areas or tandem parking is not feasible based upon specific site or regional topographical or fire and life safety conditions.

b. The required parking space(s) shall be on the same lot as the ADU. This parking is in addition to the parking requirements for the primary residence as specified in CVMC 19.62.170.

c. Notwithstanding CVMC 19.62.190, when a garage, carport, or covered parking structure is demolished in conjunction with the construction of an ADU, or is converted to an ADU that was previously used by the primary residence, replacement parking is not required. If the existing driveway is no longer necessary for access to the converted garage or other required parking, said driveway may be used to satisfy the required parking for the ADU when not exempt from subsection (C)(7) of this section.

d. Access to all required parking shall be from a public street, alley or a recorded access easement. Access from a designated utility easement or similar condition shall not be permitted. For any lot proposing an ADU and served by a panhandle or easement access, the access must be a minimum 20 feet in width.

e. Curb cuts providing access from the public right-of-way to on-site parking spaces shall be acceptable to the City Engineer. A construction permit from the City Engineer shall be obtained for any new or widened curb cuts.

f. Required parking spaces or required maneuvering area shall be free of any utility poles, support wires, guard rails, standpipes or meters, and be in compliance with CVMC 19.62.150.

g. When a required parking space abuts a fence or wall on either side, the space shall be a minimum of 10 feet wide. If this area also serves as the pedestrian access from an ADU to the street, the paving shall be a minimum 12 feet wide.

 (CVMC 19.58.022 C(8))

Q:  What about utilities (water, sewer, electrical) and a separate address for the ADU?

A:   An ADU may be served by the same water and sewer lateral connections that serve the primary residence. A separate electric meter and address may be provided for the ADU.  (CVMC 19.58.022 C(9))

Q:  Do I have to install fire sprinklers for my ADU?

A:  ADUs shall not be required to provide fire sprinklers if they are not required for the primary residence. (CVMC 19.58.022 C(13))

The City of Chula Vista has created a pilot program to provide financial assistance to low and moderate-income homeowners to build or repair ADUs on their property. Completed ADUs must be rented at an affordable rent to low-income households for a period of 15 years. Funding is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis to eligible homeowners. Interested residents should review the program guidelines. The application is currently closed. Questions can be submitted to Brian Warwick, Housing Manager, at bwarwick@chulavistaca.gov.

ADU Loan Program Guidelines
ADU Loan Application

The City of Chula Vista permits ADUs and JADUs in areas zoned to allow single-family or multifamily dwelling residential use. ADU regulations are set forth in the Chula Vista Municipal Code Section 19.58.

ADU Ordinance
JADU Ordinance

The State of California maintains additional regulations and resources one the State Accessory Dwelling Unit webpage.
ADU Energy Code requirements are detailed on the ADU Energy Code Fact Sheet.