FAQs • Imperial Beach, CA • CivicEngage

Can I build a granny flat/second unit on my residential lot?: Second units or granny flats, otherwise known as Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU), are generally allowed in zones that allow for residential development within the City. The feasibility and number/type of ADU and/or Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADU) allowed on the lot are dependent on the existing configuration of the lot and the design of the proposed project. The City recently adopted an ADU ordinance that provides information regarding the development standards that can be found here. Additionally, you can contact Planning staff to further discuss your proposed project and/or questions, the staff directory can be found here.

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Planning Division

1. When would I contact the Planning Division?: You should contact the Planning Division when you want to find out what improvements or land use (commercial, residential, short term rental etc.) can occur on a particular property. Zoning regulates setbacks, height or construction requirements as well as the type of business and/or development.

2. Do I need a coastal permit?: The first step would be verifying if you are located in the coastal zone. You can verify if you are located within the Coastal Zone by accessing the City map/GIS tool here or by contacting Planning staff. If you are located within the coastal zone, you would be required to obtain a Coastal Permit if your proposed project is not exempt per Imperial Beach Municipal Code Section 19.87.040. Additionally, you can contact a Planner for more information.

3. What is the zoning of my property?: You can obtain zoning information in this website on the Land Use Map (PDF), if you know the street address or cross streets or you can search for your address and zoning on the City's mapping/GIS tool here. Imperial Beach Municipal Code Title 19 Zoning can be found here. Additionally, you can contact the Planning staff, the staff directory can be found here.

4. Can I build a granny flat/second unit on my residential lot?: Second units or granny flats, otherwise known as Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU), are generally allowed in zones that allow for residential development within the City. The feasibility and number/type of ADU and/or Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADU) allowed on the lot are dependent on the existing configuration of the lot and the design of the proposed project. The City recently adopted an ADU ordinance that provides information regarding the development standards that can be found here. Additionally, you can contact Planning staff to further discuss your proposed project and/or questions, the staff directory can be found here.

5. Can I subdivide my lot per Senate Bill 9?: Sites that are located within a Single-Family Residential Zone (R-1-6000 or R-1-3800) may be eligible to subdivide the lot per Senate Bill 9 (SB9) if they meet all of the requirements per Imperial Beach Municipal Code Chapter 18.54 Urban Lot Split Subdivision and Two-Unit Residential Requirements. You can verify the zoning of your lot by referencing the Land Use Map (PDF), if you know the street address or cross streets or you can search for your address and zoning on the City's mapping/GIS tool here. Additionally, you can contact Planning staff to further discuss the proposed project, the staff directory can be found here.