Accessory Dwelling Units

Overview

Welcome to the City of Escondido's Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) resource webpage. The information on this page is intended to help Escondido residents understand the requirements for planning and building an ADU within the City of Escondido.

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Background

California’s housing crisis has motivated the State Legislature to pass several laws that make it easier for property owners to build or legalize ADUs. Most notably, a series of laws passed between 2016 through 2022 have reduced requirements for building ADUs such as parking standards, making it easier to build ADUs. ADUs can provide additional housing and serve as an added income source for home owners.

What Is an ADU?

An ADU is a small, residential unit located within the premises of a single-family or multifamily property. ADU’s are also known as granny flats or in law units.

There are two types of ADUs: A Junior ADU (JADU) and an ADU. Size and requirements associated with the ADU structures may vary from city to city. In Escondido,

Junior ADUs can range from a couple hundred square feet to 500 square feet. JADUs may have direct, interior access to the main residence and share sanitation facilities. However, JADUs must provide an efficiency kitchen. In terms of location, JADUs must be located within the primary residence. If an expansion is required, the new size of the existing structure cannot exceed 150 square feet beyond the current square footage.

ADUs can be up to 1,000 square feet. ADUs cannot provide access to the main residence and must include independent sanitation facilities and kitchen. ADUs can be

Attached to the primary building as an addition.
Detached and completely separate from the primary building.
Conversion of existing space by rearranging an underutilized space like a garage or attic.

More information about the requirements for building ADUs in the City of Escondido can be found in Article 70 of the Escondido Zoning Code.

Thinking about Building an ADU?

There are two different ways to apply to an ADU at the City of Escondido.

Building with solid fill

Standard ADU Building Permit

(for single-family homeowners)

Multi-family ADU Building Permit

(for multi-family ADU development)

Pre-Approved ADUs

Single-family homeowners who want to build a new construction, standalone ADU may use the City's Pre-Approved ADU (PAADU) plans. PAADU plans are pre-approved designs that can save time and money on design and engineering costs. While plans have been reviewed and accepted by the City, they are NOT specific to a property or site. Applicants are still required to submit a building permit and go through the standard ADU permitting process.

To learn more, please visit the City of Escondido's Pre-Approved ADU (PAADU) webpage.

How to Build an ADU:

Step 1: Pre-application Research

Step 2: Submit an application to the Building Division

Step 3: Application Review

Step 4: Approval

Step 5: Inspections

Resources

For preparing an ADU application:

ADU Handout and Submittal Checklist (PDF) is needed to formally submit a permit to the Building Division.
ADU Housing Development Tracking Form (PDF) is required for all ADU permits.
SDG&E Notification Form (PDF) helps inform SDG&E of any utility connections that may be needed in your property
Hazardous Wastes Disclosure Statement (PDF) certifies that an ADU will not be built on a hazardous waste site.
Parcel Look Up Tool can help you learn about your property including zoning information
ADU Ordinance (Article 70 of the Escondido Zoning Code) lets you know of all the standards and requirements for ADUs at the City.
Residential Zoning Regulations (Article 6 of the Escondido Zoning Code) lets you know of all associated residential standards and requirements at the City.
Building Division's Webpage can help you learn about the Building Division’s ADU requirements.

General Information:

Government Code Section 66310 - 66342 provides information of California’s ADU requirements
Department of Housing and Community Development ADU Handbook (PDF) is a state resource to help you learn about ADUs.

FAQs

Do I need parking spaces for my ADU?

No, parking is not required for ADUs as stated in Section 33-1474(c)(1) of the City's ADU Ordinance.

Will I need to install fire sprinklers in my ADU?

Only if the primary residence is fire sprinklered. If you do require fire sprinklers for your ADU, a minimum 1-inch water meter, water service, and backflow would also be required. Additionally, a minimum 4-inch sewer lateral is required for single-family dwelling units.

Can I rent my ADU short-term (i.e., less than 30-days)?

No, the City currently does not permit for short-term rentals within the City. As a result, rental periods of 30-days or more are required for ADUs.

How many ADUs can I have on my property?

A property with a single-family residence may allow for up to two accessory dwelling units (one ADU, and one JADU) on site.
A property with multi-family residences may allow for at least one ADU, with the potential for additional ADUs. Please contact the Planning Division for multi-family ADU inquiries.