San Diego, CA, Accessory Dwelling Units Bonus Program

Policy Level of Government: City

Policy Focus: Eliminate Barriers

Policy Status: Enacted

Policy Date Introduced or Enacted: 2022-02-09

Policy Type: Administrative

Location: San Diego, California

What does it mean

The City of San Diego ADU Bonus program allows additional ADUs to be built on a property after the owner has maximized the number of ADUs allowed by right. This program is unique in that it offers a unit incentive versus a financial incentive to build affordable ADUs. The Affordable ADU Bonus program allows for the construction of one unrestricted ADU for every moderate income ADU deed-restricted for 15 years, and for ADUs under 80% AMI, deed restricted for 10 years. They did not create a specific limit for ADUs in Transit Priority Areas (TPA)s. Outside of TPAs, projects would be limited to one additional unrestricted and one additional restricted ADU. In all instances, the number of bonus ADUs would be physically limited by FAR, lot coverage, and height requirements.

Why it matters

San Diego's ADU program's focus on affordable ADUs, particularly on households at 80% of AMI, will allow for greater wealth building and ADU development uptake. While ADUs generally can offer a housing solution, the expense of developing them often hinders low-income homeowners. As a result of this program, 413 Bonus ADUs were built - 217 ADUs are affordable to 120 AMI or below.