Council Adopts New Rules for Accessory Second Dwelling Units

Following a public hearing Tuesday, May 1, the Chula Vista City Council adopted new standards and limits for residents who want to build a second unit on their property. The new ordinance governing accessory secondary dwelling units, often referred to as granny flats, is an effort to make construction more compatible with surrounding neighborhoods.

New limits are being introduced on second units built on single-family residential lots including restrictions on height, size and placement. As a result, the proposed changes generally reduce the size of secondary units owners can build. For instance, under the current regulations, property owners are allowed to build a second unit up to 850 square feet – no matter how large their lot may be. The new regulations would limit second units to 450 square feet on smaller lots and gradually increase the size to 750 square foot units on lots greater than 10,000 square feet. 

In addition to tightening regulations on secondary dwelling units, Council also approved a recommendation that requires the property owner to live on site in one of the units. 

In 2003, the City of Chula Vista adopted local regulations that were consistent with a state mandate that allowed the construction of accessory second dwelling units in single-family zones.  Over the next two years, 50 units were built, mostly on the City’s west side. In a number of cases, neighbors objected to the new units complaining about  

size and location. City Council directed planners to explore neighbors’ concerns, which was done in a series of Planning Commission workshops. Feedback from the workshops led to several recommendations for new requirements.

“We think the new standards will please everyone—not only the property owners who are building second units, but their neighbors as well,” said Jim Sandoval, Chula Vista’s Planning Director. “By adopting these changes, the City is attempting to balance the need for more housing on the City’s west side with the best interests of the surrounding property owners.”   

Many of the speakers at the Council hearing praised City staff for efforts made to hear their concerns and create the new rules intended to preserve their neighborhoods.