Accessory Dwelling Units in San Diego
Everyone knows that we are in the middle of a housing crisis. Whether you intend to rent or buy a home, single family properties in job-rich, high-opportunity areas such as San Diego continue to be in short supply and those that are available are unaffordable for the average single family household. So how do we even begin to address the complex issue of affordable housing?
By now, many people have heard of accessory dwelling units from friends or family who either have recently built one or are interested in building one in their backyard. ADUs, also known as granny flats, in-law suites, guest houses, or companion units, are a more sustainable and desirable housing option to build and live in compared to apartment complexes. A sustainable housing option is one that meets our own needs, both as a renter or homeowner in the community, without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Sustainability is not just environmental-ism, but also concern for social equity and economic development. Building more ADUs not only increases the affordable housing supply, but also offers a path toward financial stability and social equity, and still contributes to the appearance and charm of our neighborhood.
For the homeowner, an ADU can provide a healthy supplemental rental income. ADUs can also serve as a flexible housing option for multi-generational households which are becoming more commonplace. Being able to share independent living areas with family members and others can provide a comfortable, affordable, accessible, and practical housing option for families dealing with child care, special needs, or elderly members, while still maintaining privacy. Many San Diego homes have rear alley access via garage or carport on the backside of the property which would automatically give the ADU a completely separate entrance from the main unit. With this type of layout, it is common for the backyard to be divided into two separate backyards so each unit can have its own private space.
The city of San Diego requires any new proposed developments on properties with existing structures over 45 years old to go through historical planning review during the permit process to ensure the structure will not take away from the character of the neighborhood. ADUs are required to match existing height restrictions and scale of the main home so they are never obtrusive. The 2-story "garage with ADU above" is a popular design sprinkled throughout our alleyways, and probably the only one recognizable to someone walking outside. There are far more one story ADU variations that are virtually undetectable because of how well they have been designed to match the neighborhood aesthetic and compliment the main home.
Like with any city that grows, cars will always be an issue. It is not a matter of fighting cars out of our neighborhood. It is about rethinking how people should move about a city. Cars may no longer be the most economical means of transportation. Walking, biking, and taking public transit will only continue to become more efficient. This is a big step in the right direction. Using individual cars to drive anywhere is an added stress on the environment. If the main concern about ADUs is street parking congestion, we are prioritizing cars over affordable housing for people. To mitigate additional stress on infrastructure, the city of San Diego has several measures for local improvements currently in progress or planned for the immediate coming years. As you may have seen in your neighborhood already, roads are being upgraded, sewer lines are being repaired, new bike lanes are popping up, and the trolley expansion is underway. Visit SanDiego.gov to view an interactive map of the extensive work planned for our neighborhoods.
Many of the neighborhoods in San Diego are very walkable where people in every stage of life can co-exist and work in an environment surrounded by diverse plant life with access to beautiful parks and canyon views. Building ADUs can help maintain this balance. San Diego is a great city that many others should be able to afford to experience living in. And while ADUs are so versatile that they can be well-suited for a wide variety of cities, San Diego seems to have a lot of features and characteristics that make ADUs a good fit for us.
For additional information and ADU resources, check out SanDiego.gov and search ADU.
If you are interested in learning more about ADUs, please contact us.
