San Diego County
Status: In-progress
ADU Zoning Ordinance Amendment (Draft Section 6156.x.D.3)
In San Diego County, the ability to sell an ADU as a separate condominium depends on where your property is located. Inside the City of San Diego, AB 1033 is fully active and condo sales are already allowed. In unincorporated County areas, the ordinance is in its final approval stage, with a Board of Supervisors vote expected in 2026.
Key Highlights
City Active. County Pending.
The City of San Diego’s ordinance took effect August 22, 2025, and homeowners can begin the condo-mapping process today. In unincorporated County areas, a final Board vote is expected in 2026.
Clear Conversion Framework
In the City, detached ADUs may be subdivided and sold once final inspections are complete, lender consent is obtained, and a condominium plan is recorded. In the County, draft rules include infrastructure review for septic capacity, fire evacuation routes, and road access.
Unlock Equity Without Moving
Homeowners can sell a backyard ADU as a separate deeded property while remaining in their primary home. In high-cost coastal and suburban markets, this creates attainable ownership opportunities and new liquidity options.
San Diego County Is Opening the Door to Backyard Condo Sales
Within the City of San Diego, qualifying ADUs may now be subdivided as condominiums and sold separately from the primary residence under local implementation of AB 1033. The ADU becomes its own legal property interest with a separate deed and title, governed under the Subdivision Map Act and the Davis-Stirling Act.
In the City, detached ADUs are currently eligible, provided they pass final inspections and meet subdivision requirements. ADUs built through the ADU Home Density Bonus Program are excluded. In unincorporated County areas, planners have recommended allowing both attached and detached ADUs, subject to infrastructure and fire safety review.
Inside city limits, the pathway is fully operational. In unincorporated areas, it is in the final legislative phase following a unanimous Planning Commission recommendation on December 5, 2025. Separate sales will be allowed once the Board of Supervisors formally adopts the ordinance.
San Diego is positioning ADU condo conversions as part of a broader strategy to expand attainable homeownership while maintaining neighborhood character. In rural County areas, officials are carefully balancing new ownership flexibility with septic capacity, wildfire risk, and evacuation infrastructure.
San Diego County Coverage & Policy Resources
Ready to Explore an ADU Condo Conversion in San Diego County?
Whether your property is inside city limits or in an unincorporated area, eligibility rules differ. We help homeowners determine jurisdiction, evaluate infrastructure requirements, and prepare for subdivision so you can move confidently when the County ordinance goes live.