Accessory Dwelling Units

Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Pre-Approved Plans

The City of Imperial Beach has recently pre-approved a set of Accessory Dwelling Unit Plans. Review the Pre-Approved Plans online

Accessory Dwelling Unit CA State Law Legislation 

Recent California ADU Legislation can be found here: Government Code 66310-66342

Zoning Existing and Proposed Uses 

Single-Family HomeMulti-Family Building (e.g. Duplex)
R-1-6000 (Single-Family Residential)1. One new construction detached ADU, and;

2. One new construction attached ADU or conversion of existing space (not both), and;

3. One JR ADU converted from existing space within the single-family home, limited to 500 sq. ft.
R-1-3800 (Single-Family Residential)

1. One new construction detached ADU, and;

2. One new construction attached ADU or conversion of existing space (not both), and;

3. One JR ADU converted from existing space within the single-family home, limited to 500 sq. ft.


R-3000-D (Two-Family Detached Residential)

1. One new construction detached ADU, and;


2. One new construction attached ADU or conversion of existing space (not both)


R-3000 (Two-Family Residential)

1. One new construction detached ADU, and;


2. One new construction attached ADU or conversion of existing space (not both)

1. On a lot with an existing multifamily dwelling, not more than eight detached accessory dwelling units. However, the number of accessory dwelling units allowable pursuant to this clause shall not exceed the number of existing units on the lot, and;

2. A local agency shall allow at least one accessory dwelling unit within an existing multifamily dwelling and shall allow up to 25 percent of the existing multifamily dwelling units.

3. On a lot with a proposed multifamily dwelling, not more than two detached accessory dwelling units (A proposed multi-family building can utilize #2 & #3 only)
R-2000 (Medium Density Residential)

1. One new construction detached ADU, and;


2. One new construction attached ADU or conversion of existing space (not both)

1. On a lot with an existing multifamily dwelling, not more than eight detached accessory dwelling units. However, the number of accessory dwelling units allowable pursuant to this clause shall not exceed the number of existing units on the lot, and;

2. A local agency shall allow at least one accessory dwelling unit within an existing multifamily dwelling and shall allow up to 25 percent of the existing multifamily dwelling units.

3. On a lot with a proposed multifamily dwelling, not more than two detached accessory dwelling units (A proposed multi-family building can utilize #2 & #3 only)
R-1500 (High Density Residential)

1. One new construction detached ADU, and;


2. One new construction attached ADU or conversion of existing space (not both)

1. On a lot with an existing multifamily dwelling, not more than eight detached accessory dwelling units. However, the number of accessory dwelling units allowable pursuant to this clause shall not exceed the number of existing units on the lot, and;

2. A local agency shall allow at least one accessory dwelling unit within an existing multifamily dwelling and shall allow up to 25 percent of the existing multifamily dwelling units.

3. On a lot with a proposed multifamily dwelling, not more than two detached accessory dwelling units (A proposed multi-family building can utilize #2 & #3 only)


Size:

New construction detached ADU: up to 1,200 sq. ft.

New construction attached ADU: 50% of the main residence or up to 800 sq. ft.

Conversion of existing space ADU: up to 1,200 sq. ft.

Conversion of existing space JR ADU: up to 500 sq. ft.

Height:

A height of 16 feet for a detached accessory dwelling unit on a lot with an existing or proposed single family or multifamily dwelling unit.

A height of 18 feet for a detached accessory dwelling unit on a lot with an existing or proposed single family or multifamily dwelling unit that is within one-half of one mile walking distance of a major transit stop or a high-quality transit corridor, as those terms are defined in Section 21155 of the Public Resources Code. A local agency shall also allow an additional two feet in height to accommodate a roof pitch on the accessory dwelling unit that is aligned with the roof pitch of the primary dwelling unit.

A height of 18 feet for a detached accessory dwelling unit on a lot with an existing or proposed multifamily, multistory dwelling.

A height of 25 feet or the height limitation in the local zoning ordinance that applies to the primary dwelling, whichever is lower, for an accessory dwelling unit that is attached to a primary dwelling. This subparagraph shall not require a local agency to allow an accessory dwelling unit to exceed two stories.

Setbacks:

4-ft rear and side yard setbacks

The accessory dwelling unit or junior accessory dwelling unit is within the proposed space of a single-family dwelling or existing space of a single-family dwelling or accessory structure and may include an expansion of not more than 150 square feet beyond the same physical dimensions as the existing accessory structure. An expansion beyond the physical dimensions of the existing accessory structure shall be limited to accommodating ingress and egress.

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