ADU rules in Chula Vista

Chula Vista repealed its local ADU ordinance (Ord. 3592, adopted April 15, 2025, effective 30 days later) expressly to defer all ADU and JADU regulation to the State Government Code, so state law applies directly. One detached new-construction ADU per single-family lot must be approved ministerially; up to 8 detached ADUs on a lot with an existing multifamily dwelling (not exceeding the existing unit count). The city's ADU page confirms ADUs are permitted in all areas zoned for single-family or multifamily residential use.

Attached ADUs and conversions of space within the primary dwelling or an accessory structure are allowed under the state standards the city now applies (no local ordinance). City standards table: one converted or attached ADU (not both) per single-family lot, in addition to one detached ADU and one JADU.

With no local ordinance, the operative caps are the state statutory ones: 1,200 sq ft detached (Gov. Code 66314(d)(5)) and 50 percent of the existing primary dwelling for attached (66314(d)(4)), with the 800 sq ft floor of 66321(b)(3) and the 500 sq ft JADU cap of 66313(d). The city's published table (read via Wayback snapshot of Oct 2, 2025) states the same numbers with the 850/1,000 qualifier.

No owner-occupancy may be required for ADUs (Gov. Code 66315 bars it as a standard, and the city imposes no local standards after the Ord. 3592 repeal); the city's comparison table states no owner-occupancy for ADUs. JADUs are different: owner-occupancy with a recorded deed restriction is required when the JADU shares sanitation facilities with the main house (Gov. Code 66333(b), as amended by AB 1154 effective Jan 1, 2026; not required if the JADU has separate sanitation facilities or the owner is a governmental agency, land trust, or housing organization). The city page lists JADU owner-occupancy (deed restriction) as required.

Gov. Code 66322 applies whether or not a local ADU ordinance exists. The flat 'no parking requirements' statement is the city's own published implementation (ADU page, read via Wayback snapshot of Oct 2, 2025).

Ministerial building-permit review, no discretionary review or hearing. Because Chula Vista has not adopted an ADU ordinance, Gov. Code 66320 requires it to process applications ministerially under 66317: completeness determination within 15 business days, approval or denial within 60 days of a complete application, deemed approved if the deadline is missed. City Standard ADU Plan submittals (SnapADU program) are reviewed in 14 business days versus 21 business days for standard ADU applications, per the city ADU page. In the Coastal Zone, a coastal development permit is also decided within 60 days without a public hearing (Gov. Code 66329).

State cites: separate-sale bar Gov. Code 66314(d)(1) and 66341; 30-day floors 66323(e) and 66333(g); JADU deed restriction against separate sale 66333(c). Local STR exclusion read at CVMC 5.68.030 (definitions of Nonprimary Residence and Partial-Home Short-Term Rental).