An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU), also commonly referred to as "second unit" or "granny flat," is an additional residential dwelling unit located on a lot with a Primary Residence.  An ADU provides complete independent living facilities that include permanent provisions for sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation for one or more persons.  An ADU may be constructed as an attached or detached residential unit on a lot with an existing Primary Residence, through new construction at the same time as the construction of a Primary Residence on a vacant lot, by conversion of existing space within a primary residence, or by conversion of an existing detached accessory building.  ADU's are regulated by Chapter 18.31 of the City of Vista Municipal Code (link below).

Junior Accessory Dwelling Units 

A “Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit” (JADU) is a unit that is no more than 500 square feet in size and contained entirely within an existing one-family dwelling (the Primary Residence).  A Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit shall include an efficiency kitchen with a cooking facility, food preparation counter, and storage cabinets.  A JADU may include separate sanitation facilities (a restroom) from the Primary Residence or may share sanitation facilities with the Primary Residence. 

The owner of the property must occupy either the Primary Residence or the JADU, and the JADU cannot be sold or conveyed separately from the Primary Residence.  The owner of the property must execute and cause the recordation of a deed restriction to assure compliance with these requirements.  An example JADU Deed Restriction may be viewed from this link:  Example JADU Deed Restriction

Additional regulations for ADUs and JADUs, including setbacks, maximum height, and other development standards may be reviewed online at this link: 

VMC Chapter 18.31 Accessory Dwelling Units

Frequently Asked Questions 

To get a quick summary on ADU and JADU information and regulations, please check out our Frequently Asked Questions document.

ADU & JADU Minimum Rental Term

The minimum rental term for ADU's and JADU's shall be no less than 30 consecutive days. 
*Short-Term Rentals are not permitted within ADUs or JADUs.

Pre-Approved ADU Plans are Here! 

The following plans are available for download.  When these pre-approved plans are utilized, plan check fees are waived!  Permit and inspection fees are still applicable.  The City of Vista offers the following 10 plan options:

*Plans updated to 2025 Building Codes coming soon.

Requirements and Review Process

• Grading:  Some projects may require a grading plan submittal prior to submittal of building construction drawings.  For more information, please contact the Land Development Division to discuss the details regarding your proposed project: 760.639.6111  

• Pre-approved ADU’s shall only be located on lots with existing single-family dwellings.  The pre-approved plans are not designed for use on multi-family properties.

• Building submittal requirements:
• Building Permit Application
• 3 Sets of plans (24x36-inches)
  • A soils report is mandatory unless footings are placed 24 inches or more into competent soil.
  • Remember to submit a sufficiently detailed & to-scale site plan for the 10 Pre-Approved ADU plans. 
  • For the County of San Diego ADU Plans ONLY: Manufactured wood roof truss drawings and calculations.
  • Site specific Title 24 energy compliance report (CF1R).
  • Note: Plans cannot be accepted prior to clearance by Vista's Land Development Engineering Division (grading review).  For properties utilizing septic systems, prior clearance is required by the San Diego County Health Department.

• Assignment of addresses:  Upon construction of an ADU, the existing Primary Residence is designated as Unit 1, and the ADU is designated as Unit 2.  An existing residence at 123 Main Street would be assigned the address 123 Main Street Unit 1, and the new ADU would be assigned the address 123 Main Street Unit 2.  

Fee Waiver Program

Chapter 18.31 of the City of Vista Municipal Code provides for certain fees to be waived in the development of Accessory Dwelling Units. Please see what is available on the ADU Fee Waiver Program webpage:  Accessory Dwelling Unit Fee Waiver Program | City of Vista

Resources

• Vista Development Code regulations for Accessory Dwelling Units:
  VMC Chapter 18.31 Accessory Dwelling Units
• HCD Website: 
  California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) ADU Website
• FAQ

Send us a Photo of Your Completed ADU!

If you are proud of your well-designed and recently constructed ADU and would like to share a digital image with us that can be placed in a photo archive made viewable from this website, you may email your photo(s) to Development Services by clicking on this link:  email us

Contact 

200 Civic Center Drive, 1st Floor, Vista CA 92084
Planning: 760.639.6100
Development Services: 760.639.6108
Engineering: 760.639.6111

The Community Development counter is open 8:30 am-5:30 pm Monday-Thursday
and 8:30 am-4:30 pm every other Friday. 
For ADU related questions please email us.