Vista Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) Information

Department Contacts

1. To know what specifically is allowed on your property please email our planner on duty Raffi Mangassarian rmangassarian@ci.vista.ca.us
2. For a fee price estimate please email Nixy Flores with the address, type of ADU and estimated square footage nflores@cityofvista.com.
3. Please contact Engineering Division with your proposed square footage AND preliminary site plan or aerial diagram to see if a Grading Plan would be required at pflores@cityofvista.com, Pedro Flores.
4. Please contact Sewer Engineering Department to confirm whether this property is currently connected to sewer lines at ttirado@cityofvista.com, Tony Tirado.
5. For Fire Department questions, please contact Mark Vierow at mvierow@cityofvista.com

Below please find some basic facts about ADUs and JADUs that might answer some of your questions.

Please keep in mind that JADU’s can only be a converted portion of the main residence and not a separate structure. Furthermore, please keep in mind that RV’s, shipping containers, tiny homes, Tuff Sheds, etc., to be used as ADU’s are prohibited.

ADUs are permitted in zones R-1, R-1-B, E-1, A-1, and O-R, as well as any zone that allows single-family residences by right (Vista Development Code, Section 18.31.020 Zones)

Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) –

• Can be rented. Completely separate from main residence, no interior access, own exterior access.
• ADU conversions are not permitted within manufactured homes, only traditional stick- built homes.
• If the property is vacant, you will need to meet the requirements of the single-family home prior to converting spaces to ADU’s, or adding ADU’s.
• Can either be a traditional stick built house/unit, or a manufactured home
• RV’s, shipping containers, tiny homes, Tuff Sheds, etc., are prohibited.
• Needs to have a full kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom.

 Kitchen needs to have at minimum:

• Full sink (with disposal)

• Full size refrigerator

• Stove w/cooktop

• Microwave is optional

• Ample cabinet space for storage  Bathroom needs to have at minimum:

• Ample countertop space for food preparationMicrowave is optional

• Stove w/cooktopFull size refrigerator

1. Toilet
2. Sink
3. Shower

 Bedroom can be a studio setup, or a separate bedroom(s).

 Development Standards

 Detached ADU Square Footage –

1. 850 square feet maximum for studios or 1-bedroom units
2. Maximum 1,200 square feet in size for 2-bedroom units
3. No more than 2 bedrooms for an ADU are allowed.

 Attached ADU Square Footage – Maximum up to 50% of the square footage of the main residence.

1. 850 square feet maximum for studios or 1-bedroom units
2. Maximum 1,200 square feet in size for 2-bedroom units

 Setbacks are 4’ft on the side and the rear property lines, but the front yard setback still needs to be met.

 Maximum height of 16-feet, single story, if detached.

1. If ADU is located above a detached garage, then the ADU can only be located on the entire second floor, while the entire first floor remains as a garage. ADU cannot be split between 2 levels/stories. ADU on a second floor above a detached garage can only measure 16-feet from second floor to peak of roof. 

   Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit (JADU) –

   1. Can be rented. May or may not have access to main residence. If JADU has interior access to main residence, then a secondary exterior access must be made.
   2. Needs to have a full kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom.
      1. Kitchen needs to have at minimum:
         1. Full sink (with disposal)
         2. Full size refrigerator
         3. Stove w/cooktop
         4. Microwave is optional
         5. Ample countertop space for food preparation
         6. Ample cabinet space for storage
      2. Bathroom can be either separate or shared from the main residence (interior access to main residence acceptable). However, bathroom needs to have at minimum:
         1. Toilet
         2. Sink
         3. Shower
         4. Bedroom can be a studio setup, or a separate bedroom.
   3. Development StandardsYou can have a Junior ADU (JADU) up to 500 square feet, which is a converted portion of the existing space main residence.
      1. Junior ADU will be deed restricted, which will note that either the main residence or JADU will need to be owner-occupied, subject to yearly audit by the City Attorney.
      2. Detached JADU – Not Allowed
      3. Conversion of existing space of main residence – OR – proposed square footage to main residence is allowed – maximum square footage of JADU shall not exceed 500 square feet.
         1. Maximum 1-bedroom allowed.
      4. Setbacks would need to meet setbacks of property zoning for JADU expansion.
      5. Maximum height of 16-feet, single story
         1. JADU cannot be split between 2 floors, must remain entirely on one level.
         2. Can be a converted bedroom or space of an existing main residence.

   Impact Fees

2. If the unit is 750 square feet or less then the impact fees are waived per the State of California fee waiver allowances.
3. If the unit is more than 750 square feet in size, then the impact fees would be calculated on a proportional basis of the main residence square footage.
   1. Example: If the main house is 2,000 square feet and the proposed ADU is 1,000 square feet, then you would pay 50% of the impact fees, which can start at $15,000.
   2. If fire sprinklers are required, then additional fees may be required. Please verify the need for fire sprinklers with the Fire Department by contacting Mark Vierow at mvierow@cityofvista.com
4. If the ADU exceeds the square footage of the main residence, then the full impact and permitting fees would be charged.
5. If the ADU is equal to or greater than 500 square feet, then school fees are charged, which can be found here; www.vistausd.org
6. If you need a price estimate sheet, please email Nixy Flores in Development Services with the property address and proposed square footage of the ADU and if it’s a conversion of existing space or a new stand alone structure. She will send you a price estimate sheet within 5 business days. She can be reached at nflores@cityofvista.com.
7. If the ADU is exceeds 750 square feet in size and you plan on renting to a low-income household or a family member or caregiver who provides care to an owner or occupant of the primary unit, the City’s Housing Division can assist you in completing a regulatory agreement to assist with waiving some fees. You can obtain more information here; https://www.cityofvista.com/city-services/city- departments/housing/adu-fee-waiver-program, or receive more information by contacting Johannah Knieff at jknieff@cityofvista.com