Chula Vista ADU Regulations & Zoning

Chula Vista allows up to 2 detached ADUs for multifamily lots with an existing multi-family building. (Meaning: In order to build 2 ADUs, the property must already have at least a duplex on it, not just a single family dwelling)

Effective Jan 2025 (SB1211): Multifamily property owners are permitted to build as many ADUs as there are existing units, with a maximum of eight detached ADUs. This change is due to California state law and will pre-empt existing local laws that are not brought into conformance.

Additionally, a minimum of one accessory dwelling unit, or up to 25 percent of the existing multifamily units, is permitted within an existing multifamily dwelling, as a result of the conversion of non-habitable space including, but not limited to, storage rooms, boiler rooms, passageways, attics, basements, or garages.

Yes. Chula Vista defines guest quarters as detached living quarters for the use of occasional guests of the occupants of the main home. There is a maximum stay of 90 days and the space may not be rented or leased out. No kitchen or cooking facilities are allowed. Guest houses shall not be closer than 10 feet to the nearest point of the main building.

Read more about guest quarters.

As of 4/1/2025, the city voted to repeal their local ADU ordinance and follow state guidelines, which says that the height of a detached ADU can be up to 16′. Detached ADUs within half a mile of major transit stops or high-quality transit corridors can be 18′ tall. ADUs may be up to 18′ on a lot with an existing or proposed multifamily, multistory dwelling. 

The total floor area for an attached accessory dwelling unit shall not exceed 50 percent of the total floor area of the proposed or existing primary residence, or 850 square feet for a one-bedroom unit and 1,000 square feet for a unit with more than one bedroom, whichever is greater.

Dwelling units on the lot should be complementary or compatible in appearance with each other by incorporating matching architectural design, building materials, and colors of the primary residence with the accessory dwelling unit, and any other accessory structure built concurrently with the accessory dwelling unit. However, the primary residence may be modified to match the new accessory dwelling unit.

The minimum required distance between the ADU and a primary dwelling unit is six feet. From 19.04.002, “Distance between residential structures” means the shortest horizontal distance between the vertical walls of two residential structures.

Yes, Chula Vista requires soils reports for all ADUs by default. However, a waiver may be granted for one-story detached ADUs if the site is on natural or cut grade (not fill) and includes 18” footings and a 4” slab. For two story, 24″ footings would be required for the waiver.

Yes, accessory dwelling units developed within the coastal zone may be subject to requirements of the Local Coastal Program (LCP), which for Chula Vista would be the Bayfront Local Coastal Program.

Yes, you may stack two ADUs so long as the height no more than that of the primary residence and in accordance with the underlying zone.

It is currently undetermined if two detached ADUs can be attached to each other side by side; this will be subject to city interpretation.

Yes, existing non-livable space may be converted to ADUs (e.g. storage areas and garages). The minimum number of ADU conversions allowed is one, up to a maximum equal to 25% of the number of existing multifamily units. This is in addition to the allowed number of detached ADUs.

If a parking space is required, it may be located within the setbacks and in an existing driveway as tandem parking. Parking spaces don’t need to be replaced when a garage, carport, or covered parking structure is demolished in conjunction with the construction of an ADU or converted to an ADU.