Utilities for Solana Beach ADUs
From the Solana Beach ADU Submittal Process and Basic Plan Requirements (June 2025):
| Item | Rule |
|---|---|
| New construction | New or separate connection; fee proportionate to size or fixtures; sub-meter may be allowed |
| Conversions | No new connection; no connection fee or capacity charge |
| Sewer | ADU connects to house sewer on private property; one lateral per APN |
| Sprinklers | If required for the house (SBMC 15.32.010) |
| Solar | New, non-manufactured detached ADUs; on the ADU or the house |
| Fire access | Fire apparatus access within 150 ft of the first-story exterior walls (CFC 503.1.1) |
| Address | Numbers at least 4 in high, visible from the street |
State law sets the same proportionality rule for connection fees (Gov. Code §66324).
Proportional charges
For new construction, the handout requires a new or separate connection, possibly by sub-meter, with fees proportionate to size or plumbing fixtures. HCD adds that conversions and JADUs aren't a new residential use for connection fees unless built with a new house.
- Sewer joins the house lateral on private property
- One lateral per APN to the main
- Roof drains to landscaping first
Also checked Oct 14, 2026: HCD ADU Handbook (March 2026).
Who's exempt from a new connection
SBMC 17.60.210(A)(3)(n): JADUs and ADUs created within existing or proposed space under (A)(4)(a) need no new connection and pay no connection fee. Others need one, possibly via submeter, with fees proportionate to size or fixtures. Sprinklers aren't required if the house doesn't need them, and an ADU can't trigger them for the house.
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) · Gov. Code §66324.
FAQ
Does a new ADU need its own meter?
New-construction ADUs need a new or separate utility connection; a sub-meter may be allowed.
Can the ADU have its own sewer lateral?
No. Each APN gets one lateral to the city main; the ADU connects to the house's sewer on private property.
Do I need sprinklers?
Only if the house was required to have them, or a significant alteration now requires them.