Carlsbad ADU Regulations & Zoning
Carlsbad, California
Zip Codes: 92008, 92009, 92010, 92011
Neighborhoods: Carlsbad Village, La Costa Valley, The Ranch, Tamarack Point, Calavera Hills, Robertson Ranch, Hedionda Point, Rancho Carlsbad, Sunny Creek, Kelly Ranch, Carlsbad Ranch, Poinsettia, North Beach, South Beach, Aviara, La Costa Greens, Bressi Ranch, Rancho Carrillo, Rancho La Costa, Batiquitos Lagoon, La Costa Ridge, La Costa Oaks
Our quick take on Carlsbad: Moderately ADU-Friendly
Several SnapADU team members live in Carlsbad, and we know the city's regulations and processes very well. Turnaround times at the city are moderate. Carlsbad requires in-person submissions as well as soils reports (>500 sqft), both of which do add some processing time and expense. Also, some of Carlsbad is in the coastal zone and minor use permits are required in those areas.
Carlsbad Regulation & Permitting Requirements:
ADU SIZE & BUILDING CONSTRAINTS
What size detached ADU can you build in Carlsbad?
Carlsbad allows for ADUs of up to 1200 sqft. ADUs up to 800 square feet are exempt from lot coverage requirements. (Meaning: You can build an ADU of this size even if you’re maxed out on lot coverages).
Can you build a 2-story ADU in Carlsbad?
Yes, you may build a two story ADU if it is above a garage, but you may otherwise only build an ADU that is one story and 16′ in height. ADUs above detached garages must be 10′ from the main residence and maintain 5′ side and rear setbacks.
Does Carlsbad allow roof decks on ADUs?
No, roof decks are not permitted on detached ADUs in Carlsbad.
How big can an attached ADU be in Carlsbad?
The square footage of any attached ADU may not to exceed 50% of the primary dwelling square footage, or 1,200 sqft, whichever is less, but not less than 800 square feet. ADUs are also required to be 16′ or less in height, attached or detached.
What are the requirements of the exterior of the ADU?
In Carlsbad, the accessory dwelling unit shall be architecturally compatible with the main dwelling unit, in terms of appearance, materials and finished quality.
All information verified by a Carlsbad Associate Planner in March 2022.
SETBACKS
What is the setback requirement for an ADU in Carlsbad?
ADUs must have 4′ minimum setbacks from rear and side- yard property lines, with front yard setback per zoning standards. An ADU taking advantage of the four-foot setback provision shall not be allowed to exceed a height of 16 feet. An attached or detached ADU exceeding 16 feet must comply with the setbacks of the zoning district in which it is located.
What is the minimum distance the ADU must be from existing structures?
For units larger than 800sqft, the minimum required distance between structures is 10′ (Meaning: the ADU must be this far from the primary home or any other existing structures). Per an assistant planner at the City of Carlsbad in September 2022, for units less than 800 sqft, no separation distance applies (though additional fire code requirements will apply <6′ of separation).
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Does Carlsbad require Building Verification Surveys for an ADU?
Yes, Carlsbad requires a building verification survey as part of the plan review process for an ADU if the ADU is within 1′ of a setback.
Does Carlsbad require in-person submission of plans for an ADU?
Yes, Carlsbad requires in-person submission of plans and does not accept digital applications at this time.
Does Carlsbad require a soils report for an ADU?
Yes, Carlsbad requires a soils report for ADUs of 500sqft or more.
Does Carlsbad require coastal development permits?
Yes, accessory dwelling units developed within the coastal zone are subject to the permit requirements of Chapter 21.201 (Coastal Development Permit).
MULTIFAMILY
How many ADUs does Carlsbad allow for multifamily properties?
Carlsbad 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)
Can you stack detached ADUs on top of each other?
No, you cannot stack ADUs on top of each other in Carlsbad, as the maximum height allowed is 16′.
Can you attach two ADUs to each other?
No, you cannot attach two ADUs. Per the city of Carlsbad as of Nov 2021, the city has interpreted that multi-family lots are permitted two freestanding, detached accessory dwelling units which are detached from the multi-family residence as well as from one another.
Can you convert existing space to an ADU?
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.
PARKING
What is the parking requirement for an ADU in Carlsbad?
A parking space is not required for an ADU in any of the following instances:
- Within a one-half mile walking distance from public transit, which includes bus stops.
- Within an established historic district.
- Converted from the existing space of a primary residence or accessory structure, or are attached to an existing or proposed primary residence.
Where can a parking space be located?
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.
RENT RATES
How much will an ADU rent for in Carlsbad?
Below are median rental prices by zip code and bedroom count. Be sure to run comps for your specific area or check with a realtor.
RENT RATES IN CARLSBAD
Zip Neighborhood 1BR 2BR 3BR 92008 Carlsbad Village $2,700 $3,500 $5,000 92009 La Costa Oaks $2,500 $3,600 $4,200 92010 Calavera Hills $2,500 $3,350 $4,200 92011 Aviara $2,350 $3,450 $5,300 Source: Zillow, Jan. 2023
