Solana Beach ADU rules
Solana Beach's ADU regulations are in SBMC 17.60.210(A). The Solana Beach ADU Submittal Process and Basic Plan Requirements (June 2025) turns them into a checklist. This summary follows it.
At a glance
| Topic | Rule |
|---|---|
| Coastal | Coastal Commission approval letter submitted with the permit application |
| Address | Separate address assigned by Planning |
| Floor area | FAR tiers; 800 sq ft ADU exemption; ADU capped at 800 sq ft above the 60% threshold |
| Grading | No ADU needing more than 50 cubic yards |
| Separation | 6 ft from house; 10 ft from an ADU entrance facing a wall |
| Entrance | Not visible from the street adjacent to the front yard |
| Style | New construction matches house style, materials and colors |
| Attached | No interior access to the house |
| Rentals | 30 consecutive days or more |
| Impact fees | None at 750 sq ft or less; proportionate above |
| Utilities | New construction: separate connection (sub-meter may be allowed); conversions: none required |
| Sewer | One lateral per APN; ADU connects on private property |
| Sprinklers | Required if the house was required to have them |
Before you design
The PADU guide says staff can help determine whether an ADU fits your property and where. Habitat, steep slopes and fire mitigation can change the answer (Solana Beach PADU Processing Guide).
Solana Beach moved its ADU rules to SBMC 17.60.210(A) through Ordinance 542 (2026), which repealed former 17.20.040(D). The June 2025 handout still cites the old section; the standards below follow the current code.
Key standards in SBMC 17.60.210(A)
| Topic | Rule |
|---|---|
| Size | 850 sq ft for a studio or one bedroom; 1,000 sq ft with more than one bedroom; at least an efficiency unit |
| 800 sq ft protection | Lot coverage, FAR, open space, setbacks and lot size must allow an 800 sq ft ADU with 4 ft side and rear setbacks |
| Setbacks | 4 ft side and rear; none for conversions or same-footprint rebuilds |
| Height | 16 ft detached; 18 ft near major transit (+2 ft for matching roof pitch) or with a multistory multifamily building; attached 25 ft or the zone limit, max two stories |
| Units | One ADU or one JADU per single-family lot, except combinations allowed under (A)(4) |
| Entrance | Separate from the house's main entrance; not visible from the street beside the front yard setback |
| Rentals | Longer than 30 consecutive days |
| Review | Ministerial, decided within 60 days of a complete application |
Source: SBMC 17.60.210(A).
Combinations allowed by right
- One JADU and one ADU within existing or proposed space of the house or an accessory structure (up to 150 sq ft added for entry)
- One new detached ADU of 800 sq ft or less with 4 ft side and rear setbacks
- On multifamily lots, converted non-livable space (at least one unit, up to 25% of existing units) and detached ADUs (up to eight on existing multifamily lots, not exceeding existing units; two with proposed multifamily)
Also checked Oct 14, 2026: SBMC §17.60.210(A) (Ord. 542, 2026).
Sources, checked Oct 14, 2026: Solana Beach ADU Submittal Process and Basic Plan Requirements (June 2025) · Solana Beach PADU Processing Guide.
FAQ
Where are Solana Beach's ADU rules?
SBMC 17.60.210(A), summarized in the city's June 2025 ADU submittal handout.
Can I rent my ADU short term?
No. ADUs are rented only for terms of 30 consecutive days or more.
Who do I call?
Planning at (858) 720-2440, or the Building Department at counter@cosb.org.
Where are Solana Beach's ADU rules now?
SBMC 17.60.210(A), adopted by Ordinance 542 (2026), which repealed former 17.20.040(D).
What is the maximum ADU size in Solana Beach?
850 sq ft for a studio or one bedroom and 1,000 sq ft with more than one bedroom, subject to FAR, with 800 sq ft protected.