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With the persistent housing shortage in California reaching critical levels, the State Legislature has enacted several significant laws over the past few years aimed at easing restrictions on the construction of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and junior accessory dwelling units (JADUs). For residents of Imperial Beach, this legislative shift opens up new opportunities to expand living spaces, accommodate growing families, or explore additional income avenues. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about building an ADU in Imperial Beach, CA, in light of the recent changes in state law.
Effective January 1, 2023, updated state laws have significantly broadened the scope for ADU and JADU construction within Imperial Beach. These changes are designed to streamline the process for homeowners, making it easier than ever to add secondary units to residential properties. However, it’s crucial to note that these laws are subject to further interpretation and guidelines from state authorities, meaning the legal landscape could evolve.
ADUs can now be constructed on any residentially zoned site (be it single-family or multi-family) that houses an existing or planned residential dwelling. This flexibility is a game-changer for homeowners looking to maximize their property’s potential.
A key regulation to be aware of is the prohibition of using ADUs and JADUs for short-term rentals. Furthermore, if a JADU is present on the property, it mandates that either the JADU or the primary dwelling must be occupied by the property owner. A deed restriction emphasizing this requirement, along with the stipulation that JADUs cannot be sold separately from the primary residence, must be recorded against the property title.
One Accessory Dwelling Unit (either attached, detached, or converted from existing space) and one Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit (converted from permitted space entirely within the single-family residence) are permitted as accessory uses on lots with one existing or proposed single-family home.
a. Attached ADU = 50% of the main residence's size or up to 800 square feet, whichever is smaller.
b. Detached ADU = up to 1,200 square feet.
c. Converted ADU = up to 1,200 square feet.
a. Attached ADU
One new parking space is required if the attached ADU exceeds 25 feet in height.
b. Detached ADU within a half-mile walking distance of a major transit stop or high-quality transit corridor
One new parking space is required if the top plate of the detached ADU exceeds 18 feet in height.
c. Detached ADU not within a half-mile walking distance of a major transit stop or high-quality transit corridor
One parking space is required if the overall height of the structure exceeds 16 feet.
a. Attached ADU
A 4-foot side and rear yard setback is required if the attached ADU is 800 square feet or less and 25 feet or less in height.
b. Detached ADU within a half-mile walking distance of a major transit stop or high-quality transit corridor
A 4-foot side and rear yard setback is required if the detached ADU is 800 square feet or less, and the top plate of the detached ADU is 18 feet or less.
c. Detached ADU not within a half-mile walking distance of a major transit stop or high-quality transit corridor
A 4-foot side and rear yard setback is required if the detached ADU is 800 square feet or less and 16 feet or less in overall height.
a. Attached ADU
Maximum height of 25 feet.
b. Detached ADU within a half-mile walking distance of a major transit stop or high-quality transit corridor
Maximum height of 18 feet to the top plate, plus an additional 2 feet to accommodate a roof pitch that aligns with the primary dwelling unit's roof pitch.
c. Detached ADU not within a half-mile walking distance of a major transit stop or high-quality transit corridor
Maximum overall height of 16 feet.
One Accessory Dwelling Unit (either attached, detached, or converted from existing space) and one Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit (converted from permitted space entirely within one of the single-family residences) are permitted as accessory uses on a lot with multiple existing or proposed single-family homes.
a. Attached ADU = 50% of the main residence's size or up to 800 square feet, whichever is smaller.
b. Detached ADU = up to 1,200 square feet.
c. Converted ADU = up to 1,200 square feet.
a. Attached ADU
One new parking space is required if the attached ADU exceeds 25 feet in height.
b. Detached ADU within a half-mile walking distance of a major transit stop or high-quality transit corridor
One new parking space is required if the top plate of the detached ADU exceeds 18 feet in height.
c. Detached ADU not within a half-mile walking distance of a major transit stop or high-quality transit corridor
One parking space is required if the overall height of the structure exceeds 16 feet.
a. Attached ADU
A 4-foot side and rear yard setback is required if the attached ADU is 800 square feet or less and 25 feet or less in height.
b. Detached ADU within a half-mile walking distance of a major transit stop or high-quality transit corridor
A 4-foot side and rear yard setback is required if the detached ADU is 800 square feet or less, and the top plate of the detached ADU is 18 feet or less.
c. Detached ADU not within a half-mile walking distance of a major transit stop or high-quality transit corridor
A 4-foot side and rear yard setback is required if the detached ADU is 800 square feet or less and 16 feet or less in overall height.
a. Attached ADU
Maximum height of 25 feet.
b. Detached ADU within a half-mile walking distance of a major transit stop or high-quality transit corridor
Maximum height of 18 feet to the top plate, plus an additional 2 feet to accommodate a roof pitch that aligns with one of the primary dwelling units' roof pitches.
c. Detached ADU not within a half-mile walking distance of a major transit stop or high-quality transit corridor
Maximum overall height of 16 feet.
a. Up to two detached Accessory Dwelling Units, and
b. The conversion of portions of the multi-family structures not used as living space to create at least one internal Accessory Dwelling Unit, or up to 25 percent of the existing dwelling units as internal Accessory Dwelling Units.
c. Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADUs) are not permitted.
a. Detached ADU = up to 1,200 square feet.
b. Converted ADU = up to 1,200 square feet.
a. Detached ADU within a half-mile walking distance of a major transit stop or high-quality transit corridor
One new parking space is required if the top plate of the detached ADU exceeds 18 feet in height.
b. Detached ADU not within a half-mile walking distance of a major transit stop or high-quality transit corridor
One parking space is required if the overall height of the structure exceeds 16 feet.
a. Detached ADU within a half-mile walking distance of a major transit stop or high-quality transit corridor
A 4-foot side and rear yard setback is required if the detached ADU is 800 square feet or less, and the top plate is 18 feet or less.
b. Detached ADU not within a half-mile walking distance of a major transit stop or high-quality transit corridor
A 4-foot side and rear yard setback is required if the detached ADU is 800 square feet or less and 16 feet or less in overall height.
c. Detached ADU on a lot with an existing or proposed multi-family, multi-story dwelling
A 4-foot side and rear yard setback is required if the detached ADU is 800 square feet or less and 18 feet or less in overall height.
a. Detached ADU within a half-mile walking distance of a major transit stop or high-quality transit corridor
Maximum height of 18 feet to the top plate, plus an additional 2 feet to accommodate a roof pitch that aligns with one of the primary dwelling units' roof pitches.
b. Detached ADU not within a half-mile walking distance of a major transit stop or high-quality transit corridor
Maximum overall height of 16 feet.
c. Detached ADU on a lot with an existing or proposed multi-family, multi-story dwelling
Maximum overall height of 18 feet.
Building an ADU in Imperial Beach offers numerous advantages, from providing a home for extended family members to generating rental income. With the relaxed state laws, there’s never been a better time to explore adding an ADU to your property.
Imperial Beach allows for digital submission of Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) applications, eliminating the need for in-person plan submissions. The city's ADU regulations do not explicitly state whether a soils report is required when constructing an ADU in Imperial Beach. Potential applicants should inquire with the building department for specific requirements. Accessory Dwelling Units proposed within the coastal zone of Imperial Beach are subject to obtaining an Administrative Coastal Development Permit from the Community Development Department. This permit does not require a public hearing, but it does incur an additional $600 fee. It's important to note that certain coastal areas of Imperial Beach fall under the jurisdiction of the California Coastal Commission. In such cases, the permit application process and fees may differ from the city's requirements and potentially involve higher costs.
For those considering an ADU in Imperial Beach, the updated state laws present a valuable opportunity to enhance your property's value and utility. Remember, while this guide provides an overview, always confirm the latest regulations and seek professional advice when necessary. For further inquiries, don’t hesitate to Contact Us for ADU Plans & Permits.
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