New ADU Law Expands Opportunity in San Diego – Here’s How to Use It

Published by Redline Republic | July 2025

ADUs Are No Longer a Trend — They’re the Future

If you own a single-family home in San Diego, a recent wave of ADU law changes could mean big opportunity for you — whether you’re planning for family, cashflow, or future equity.

2024–2025 brought statewide and local updates that make it easier, faster, and more profitable to build ADUs. The best part? You don’t have to be a developer to take advantage of it.

🔑 Key Changes to Know in 2025

🟩 1. Easier Permitting

The state has cracked down on local delays. Cities like San Diego are now required to:

– Approve or deny ADU permits in 60 days or less
– Waive impact fees for most ADUs under 750 sq. ft.
– Allow two detached ADUs on many lots

✅ Redline Note: If your plans are clean and your lot is legal, you’re in a strong position.

🛠 2. Expanded Lot Access — Even for Small or Irregular Parcels

New rules push cities to allow ADUs even on lots with tricky shapes, flag access, or unusual layouts.

✅ Redline Note: That “unusable” side yard might be the ADU space you never realized you had.

📏 3. Less Parking, More Flexibility

No parking is required if you’re within ½ mile of public transit — and in San Diego, that covers a lot of ground. Detached ADUs also don’t require replacement parking if a garage is converted.

✅ Redline Note: This opens up garage conversions and backyard units without needing major driveway changes.

🏠 4. JADU + ADU Allowed on Same Lot

You can now build an ADU and a Junior ADU (JADU) on many single-family lots — even if you already have one unit added.

✅ Redline Note: We help clients maximize this pairing — often by converting a garage and adding a detached unit in the rear.

💡 How to Use These Rules to Your Advantage

Whether you want to house a family member, generate rental income, or add value before selling — these rule changes are your green light to start.

At Redline Republic, we specialize in:

✔️ Feasibility studies — we tell you what your lot can legally support
✔️ Full ADU design & drafting — fast, accurate, and built for code
✔️ Permit submissions & corrections — we deal with the city so you don’t have to

🚫 Common Mistakes We Fix All the Time:

– Plans missing required setbacks
– No BMP or Title 24 compliance
– ADUs placed too close to the main dwelling
– Illegal garage conversions with no fire separation
– Incorrect height or lot coverage

We catch this before the city does — and we don’t submit unless it’s right.

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📍 Want to Build Your ADU in 2025?

Whether it’s a detached unit, garage conversion, or multi-unit lot strategy — Redline makes it make sense (and get approved).

👉 [Start My ADU Project]
📞 Call/Text: (619) 717‑4528
📸 Instagram: @redlinerepublicx

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