News Summary

The San Diego City Council has enacted new regulations limiting the construction of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on single-family lots to combat overdevelopment. With a narrow 5-4 vote, the cap now restricts the number of ADUs based on lot size, and various provisions have been introduced, such as community enhancement fees and height limitations. These changes are intended to maintain neighborhood character while promoting responsible housing development amidst concerns over rising housing crisis impacts.

San Diego City Council Caps Backyard Apartments to Limit Overdevelopment on Single-Family Lots

The San Diego City Council has voted to impose restrictions on the number of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) that can be constructed on single-family lots, a decision aimed at curbing overdevelopment and maintaining neighborhood character. This contentious vote, which concluded with a narrow 5-4 result, followed extensive public hearings where community members voiced concerns and opinions on the matter.

Under the new regulations, the cap on ADUs is set as follows:

• Four units on lots under 8,000 square feet.
• Five units on lots measuring between 8,001 and 10,000 square feet.
• Six units on lots larger than 10,001 square feet.

The council has also rolled back several incentives that were part of the previous ADU policy, which allowed for greater flexibility in housing development. The new changes include:

• Requiring developers to pay community enhancement fees for infrastructure.
• Mandating the provision of parking for ADUs not located near public transit.
• Increasing the distance requirements between ADUs and property lines.

Furthermore, ADUs are now limited to a maximum height of two stories and a size of 1,200 square feet. Notably, the regulations prohibit the construction of ADUs in cul-de-sacs situated in high wildfire risk areas. These new measures permit ADUs to be sold, rather than exclusively rented, further diversifying housing options.

The decision comes despite cautionary messages from state officials regarding the potential implications of these changes. Concerns were raised that restricting incentives could undermine San Diego’s status as a pro-housing city and hamper compliance with state-level housing laws. Some city council members opposed the cap, suggesting a more lenient alternative proposed by the city’s Planning Department, indicating ongoing debate within the council over the best approach to address housing issues.

Public Reaction and Debate

The public hearing attracted nearly 200 individuals, many of whom expressed strong sentiments about the future of their neighborhoods. Residents articulated concerns over potential overdevelopment and the impact of excessive ADUs on community dynamics. While there was substantial support for modifications to the ADU framework, opposition voices argued that limiting housing options might worsen the ongoing housing crisis faced by the city.

Councilmember Sean Elo-Rivera emphasized the need for new regulations by highlighting that the previous ADU program had been exploited, which failed to adequately consider neighborhood-specific effects. Council President Joe LaCava pointed to particularly large development projects as a catalyst for these changes, advocating for a more balanced approach to housing availability and neighborhood preservation.

Next Steps for Implementation

The newly adopted rules will need to undergo a second reading and receive approval from the city mayor before they can take effect. This process could potentially lead to implementation as early as August, shaping the future landscape of residential development in San Diego.

This recent decision by the San Diego City Council encapsulates the ongoing struggle between the need for more housing and the desire to preserve the character and integrity of residential neighborhoods. As the city balances these competing interests, the implications of this cap on ADUs will be closely watched by residents, developers, and city officials alike.

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Additional Resources

• NBC San Diego: San Diego City Council ADU Policy Reforms
• San Diego Union Tribune: Bonus ADU Incentive Rollback Vote
• Axios: San Diego Council ADU Policy on Backyard Apartments
• Wikipedia: Accessory Dwelling Unit
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Housing