Building an ADU in Chula Vista

What you can build in Chula Vista

Chula Vista allows ADUs and junior ADUs (JADUs) "in areas zoned to allow single-family or multifamily dwelling residential use." The city's ADU page says ADU rules "are set forth in the California State Government Code Sections 66314 through 66323."

That is because the city has no local ADU code anymore. Ordinance No. 3592, adopted April 15, 2025 and in force 30 days later, repealed Chula Vista Municipal Code sections 19.58.022 (ADUs) and 19.58.023 (JADUs) "to defer all ADU and JADU regulations to the State Government Code." The city said its old sections didn't comply with SB 1211, which took effect January 1, 2025. HCD says that when a city has no ADU ordinance, ADU projects are subject only to state ADU law.

Single-family lots. The city's ADU page allows one new detached ADU, one converted or attached ADU (not both), and one JADU.

Multifamily lots. You can build up to eight new detached ADUs, but no more than the number of existing units. You can also convert non-living space in the building into ADUs, up to 25 percent of the existing units.

Guest houses are different. A guest house is detached living quarters for occasional guests, with no kitchen, a maximum stay of 90 days, and no renting or leasing.

The statewide rules behind all of this are on our California page. New to the terms? See what an ADU is. [1][2][3]

Size, height and setbacks

The city's ADU page lists these standards for single-family lots:

• Detached ADU: up to 1,200 sq ft.
• Converted or attached ADU: up to 50 percent of the house or 800 sq ft, whichever is greater.
• Junior ADU: up to 500 sq ft.
• Height, detached: 16 feet if you're more than a half-mile from transit; 18 feet within a half-mile of transit (the city's page says "bus stop"); 20 feet if the extra height matches the house's roof pitch, but only where the 18-foot limit applies. Two stories aren't banned, but the ADU must fit under the height limit.
• Height, attached: 25 feet or the main house's maximum height, whichever is less. Converted ADUs have no height maximum.
• Setbacks: 4 feet from side and rear property lines. There is no required separation from other buildings, but ask the Building Division about fire-rated walls. An ADU can go into the front yard setback only if an 800 sq ft ADU won't fit within the side and rear setbacks.
• Design: the city's page lists "No design requirements." Its wording on matching the house is unclear, so ask Development Services if you plan a different style.

On multifamily lots there is no maximum size, detached ADUs follow the same 16, 18 and 20-foot height rules, and the same 4-foot setbacks apply.

Under state law, sizes are measured as interior livable space, and an ADU made from existing space or rebuilt in the same place and size needs no setback. Converting an existing building isn't subject to size limits, and a converted accessory structure can add up to 150 sq ft for getting in and out. [2][3]

Parking

Chula Vista's ADU page says there are no parking requirements for ADUs on single-family or multifamily lots.

State law also says a city can't make you replace a garage, carport or parking space you remove or convert to build an ADU. [2][3]

Fees

Building permit fees. Fee Bulletin 10-400 (September 2024, the version the city's ADU page and fee schedule link) sets flat ADU fees, each covering intake, plan check and inspection:

• Detached ADU, City Standard plan: $3,951 ($476 intake, $533 plan check, $2,942 inspection)
• Detached ADU, custom plan up to 1,200 sq ft: $4,963
• Attached ADU, first story: $2,380 for the first 300 sq ft, plus $423 for each additional 300 sq ft
• Attached ADU, multi-story: $2,698 for the first 300 sq ft, plus $529 for each additional 300 sq ft
• Garage conversion: $1,604 for the first 400 sq ft, plus $158 for each additional 400 sq ft
• Conversion of living space in the house: $1,604 for the first 300 sq ft, plus $211 for each additional 1,000 sq ft

These fees include the first and second plan reviews and the first and second inspection of each type. Extra reviews and reinspections are billed hourly. Check the city's master fee schedule for the current bulletin.

Development impact fees (DIF). State law bars impact fees on an ADU with 750 sq ft or less of interior livable space, and on a JADU of 500 sq ft or less. A larger ADU pays a share in proportion to its size compared with the house. The city's standard-plan checklist matches this ("750 square feet or less, impact fees will not be assessed"), but its ADU page FAQ says ADUs "750 sq ft and above" pay. If your ADU is exactly 750 sq ft, confirm with the city. You get a DIF estimate during plan check, or you can ask Facilities Financing (FF@chulavistaca.gov) before you apply. Rates are indexed each October 1 and charged at the rate in effect when you pay. You can pay at permit issuance, or defer most DIF (all but the Traffic Signal fee) until final inspection. See the city's Development Impact Fees page.

School fees. These are separate from DIF. If your ADU is 500 sq ft or more, you pay both the Sweetwater Union High School District and the Chula Vista Elementary School District. Under state law, ADUs and JADUs under 500 sq ft of interior livable space aren't subject to school impact fees.

Water, sewer and power. The city says an ADU may use the same water and sewer laterals as the house, and may have its own electric meter and address. If you need a new or upgraded water meter, contact your water district: Otay Water District (619-670-2241), Sweetwater Authority (619-420-1413) or California American Water. For a new or upgraded electric or gas meter, apply with SDG&E. Under state law, utilities can't treat an ADU as a new residential use for connection fees or capacity charges unless it is built with a new single-family home.

For typical total costs see our ADU cost guide. [2][3][4][5][6]

How long it takes

The city says applications that use City Standard ADU plans "are reviewed in 14 business days, rather than 21 business days for standard applications."

State law sets outer limits. The city must tell you in writing within 15 business days whether your application is complete, or it is deemed complete. With an existing house on the lot, it must approve or deny a complete application within 60 days. A detached ADU that uses a preapproved plan must be approved or denied within 30 days. If your application is found incomplete or denied, you can appeal in writing, and the city must decide within 60 business days.

Corrections come by email, and you download the correction list from your online account. You get an email when the permit is issued. See our ADU permit process guide. [2][3][5]

City Standard ADU Plans

The city worked with SnapADU on 12 free City Standard ADU plans: six sizes, each also offered as a flipped (reverse) floor plan. The sizes are 498 sq ft (1 bedroom), 748 and 749 sq ft (1 or 2 bedrooms, in rectangle, square and L shapes), 999 sq ft and 1,199 sq ft (2 or 3 bedrooms). Download them from the city's ADU page.

The city also approves detached ADU plans from other designers, architects and builders. To use one of those, you must contract with the designer who owns the plan.

What you get. Faster review (14 business days instead of 21) and plan review fees about $1,000 lower than a full submittal, according to the city. Construction, inspection, impact and school fees still apply.

What you still need. A standard plan isn't a complete application. You add the site plan, title sheet details, a stormwater (BMP) plan, a geotechnical report or soils waiver, Title 24 energy calculations updated by an energy consultant for your site, and truss calculations, which can't be deferred. Lots in a methane, wildland-urban interface or flood area need extra details or permits. Fire sprinklers are needed only if the house has them, and their plans are usually a separate, deferred fire permit. Read the City Standard ADU Plan Submittal Guide and the Standard ADU Checklist.

Required forms. You must sign and submit the Hold Harmless Agreement and the Affidavit. The affidavit commits you to build the plan without changes. If you change it, the city can require a licensed professional to prepare revisions, which may add review, inspection or impact fees. [2][5][7][8]

Garage conversions and junior ADUs

Garage conversions. Converting a garage is a converted ADU. Fee Bulletin 10-400 has a separate, lower fee for it ($1,604 for the first 400 sq ft). The city requires no parking, and state law bars making you replace the lost garage spaces. A conversion needs no setback, isn't subject to size limits, and can add up to 150 sq ft for getting in and out. The city doesn't require fire sprinklers in an ADU if the house doesn't need them. More in our garage conversion guide.

Junior ADUs. Chula Vista describes a JADU as a unit of up to 500 sq ft "contained entirely within the space of a proposed or existing single-family residence," with an efficiency kitchen and a separate or shared bathroom. Under state law an attached garage counts as part of the house for a JADU.

Owner occupancy: the city's page vs. state law. The comparison table on the city's ADU page says a JADU requires owner occupancy with a deed restriction. State law, as amended effective January 1, 2026, requires owner occupancy only when the JADU shares a bathroom with the house. Without a shared bathroom, owner occupancy isn't required. Since the city now applies state law, the city's table may be out of date. Confirm with Development Services. See our junior ADU guide. [2][3][4]

Renting it out or selling it

You don't have to live on the property to build or rent an ADU. Under state law, JADUs and ADUs built under the state-mandated categories must be rented for terms longer than 30 days.

Short-term rentals. Chula Vista's short-term rental rules limit STRs to a host's primary residence plus one other home. The city's STR Administrative Guidelines say an STR "shall not be an Accessory Dwelling Unit (“ADU”) or Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit (“JADU”) for which a construction permit was applied for on or after January 1, 2020."

Selling separately. State law lets an ADU be sold separately as a condominium only where the city has adopted an ordinance allowing it, or through a narrow nonprofit program. The city's ADU page doesn't mention a condominium option, so ask Development Services before you plan on one.

SB 9. State law lets you combine ADUs with SB 9 two-unit projects and lot splits, though a city doesn't have to approve an SB 9 lot split if ADU law is used to create more than four units on the lot. See our SB 9 guide. [2][3][9][10]

Coastal zone, loans and help

Coastal zone. Chula Vista's coastal zone is the Bayfront, which covers "the coastal lands from the City's northern boundary south to Palomar Street and west of and including Interstate 5," according to the city's Bayfront Local Coastal Program. State ADU law applies in the coastal zone but doesn't override Coastal Act protections. A coastal development permit for an ADU must be decided within 60 days of a complete application when there's an existing house, and a local coastal program can require extra setbacks. If your lot is west of I-5, ask the city whether you need a coastal development permit.

ADU loans. The city ran a pilot loan program for low- and moderate-income homeowners, with completed ADUs rented at affordable rents for 15 years. As of June 2024 the city "is no longer accepting ADU loan applications." To join the interest list in case funding returns, email your name, address and contact information to bwarwick@chulavistaca.gov. Other options are in our ADU financing guide.

If something seems off. If the city applies a rule stricter than state law, you can ask HCD through its ADU Portal. HCD may give technical assistance once you've applied, but not if there is no pending application. [2][3][11]

Permit steps in Chula Vista

1. Choose your ADU type and plan

   Review the standards on the city's ADU page and pick a City Standard plan or hire a designer. Email DSD@chulavistaca.gov with questions, or book an appointment with Development Services staff. [2][12]

2. Check your lot's special conditions

   The standard-plan checklist asks you to look up wastewater, methane areas, wildland-urban interface, very high fire severity zone and climate zone on CVMapper, the city's map gallery. Ask Land Development (619-691-5024) if your work cuts into a slope or needs a retaining wall, since a grading permit may be required. [5]

3. Prepare plans and documents

   You need a site plan, a stormwater BMP plan, a geotechnical report or soils waiver, Title 24 energy calculations, truss calculations, a Stormwater Quality Management Plan form and a Waste Management Report. With a City Standard plan, also include the Standard ADU Checklist, the Hold Harmless Agreement and the Affidavit. [2][5][7]

4. Contact utilities early

   If you need a new or upgraded meter, contact SDG&E and your water district (Otay Water District, Sweetwater Authority or California American Water) as soon as possible. A service order may be required before the permit is issued. [5]

5. Apply online

   Register and submit through Accela Citizen Access. The city requires all new projects to be submitted online, and fees are paid by credit card. Front counter staff will give you a tentative address for the ADU. [5][13]

6. Respond to corrections and pay fees

   The city emails you when corrections are ready. Pay permit fees, school fees to both school districts if the ADU is 500 sq ft or more, and any impact fees. Most impact fees can be deferred to final inspection. [2][5]

7. Build and pass inspections

   After issuance, a City Building Inspector checks each stage of construction. Schedule inspections through Citizen Access. [5][13]

Pre-approved and sample plans

• City Standard ADU Plans (SnapADU)

  Twelve free detached ADU plans from 498 to 1,199 sq ft, reviewed in 14 business days with lower plan-check fees. [2]

• City Standard ADU Plans by others

  Detached ADU plans from private designers that the city has approved for use citywide; you contract with the designer to use one. [2]

Who to call

• City of Chula Vista Development Services Department

  ADU permits, plan review, City Standard ADU Plans and inspections

  (619) 691-5101

  276 Fourth Avenue, Chula Vista, CA 91910

  [12]

• Development Services front counter

  Intake questions, permit fees and school fees (email DSD@chulavistaca.gov)

  619-476-2332

  [2][5]

• Facilities Financing

  Development impact fee estimates (email FF@chulavistaca.gov)

  [2][6]

Questions people ask