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Carlsbad Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) Information
Overview
Over the past decade, the state legislature has made several modifications to Government Code §65852, progressively making it easier and less expensive for property owners to build accessory dwelling units, often called ADUs.
This Info-Bulletin outlines the city’s development requirements for new ADU construction and has been updated to include recent bills including AB 2221 and SB 897, effective January 2023. Considering the constantly evolving laws affecting ADUs, the CA Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) publishes a useful ADU Handbook that provides information on the most recent and relevant changes and interpretations of ADU laws.
Background
The state faces a serious housing problem that not only threatens its economic security, but the lack of access to affordable housing can have a direct impact upon the health, safety, diversity, and welfare of Carlsbad residents. To retain a healthy livable environment and meet state mandated housing goals, more needs to be done to accommodate locally available and affordable housing stock. This will require implementing multiple housing programs to meet housing demands.
Benefits of ADUs
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Low Cost to Build: ADUs require no public subsidy and cost anywhere from $10,000 for a simple bedroom conversion to $300,000 for a higher-end companion unit.
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Provides Income to Homeowners: ADUs help create a new income stream for property owners, which can help supplement mortgage costs on the main home.
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Environmentally Friendly: ADUs have a low-carbon footprint, using less water, electricity, and construction materials.
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Flexibility for Changing Households: ADUs are often better suited to meet the living space demands associated with the new shift in family structure.
Types of Accessory Structures
Accessory Dwelling Unit
ADUs have many different names — granny flats, in-law units, backyard cottages, and secondary units just to name a few. Despite the name, an ADU is a residential dwelling unit that provides complete independent living facilities for one or more people.
Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit
A Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit (JADU) is an ADU, but smaller in size with unique development standards. JADUs must be located within the main single-family home with a separate entrance.
Guest Houses
A guest house is a type of accessory structure for the sole use of people employed on the property or temporarily used by guests of the main home. Essentially, a guest house acts as an extra bedroom to the main home.
Park Model Trailers
Park model trailers, sometimes referred to as “tiny homes,” have been marketed as an inexpensive alternative to conventional ADU construction. However, they are not designed for long-term habitation.
General Development Standards
Permitting an ADU is limited to an administrative approval process. The applicable development standards that get applied to an ADU varies depending upon the type and location of the ADU proposed.
- One attached or one detached ADU is allowed on a single-family residential lot.
- The property must have an existing main residence; or the ADU must be constructed concurrently with the main residence.
- ADUs must have a separate entrance from the main residence.
- ADUs must contain complete independent living facilities, including a permanent kitchen and areas for living and sleeping.
- New detached ADUs shall include the installation of a solar photovoltaic system unless an existing onsite system has the capacity to provide for the ADU.
- Fire sprinklers are not required for an ADU unless fire sprinklers were required when the primary home was constructed.
Development Standards for JADUs
- One JADU is allowed to be constructed within the walls of a proposed or existing single-family residence or attached garage.
- An ADU and a JADU can be constructed on the same lot when a detached ADU or ADU conversion is proposed.
- The property owner must occupy either the JADU or the main residence.
- The JADU shall be a maximum of 500 square feet in size.
- No parking is required for a JADU.
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) Project Gallery




