Granny flats such as this are becoming a familiar sight in our neighborhoods. (PJ Cook Building)
ADU, Housing, San Diego

Keeping ‘Granny’ In Mind 

By Frank Sabatini Jr.

The City of San Diego reported a 20 percent spike in granny-flat permits last year, and it is expecting a significant increase over the coming year in areas such as South Park, Golden Hill, North Park and Hillcrest.

The term “granny flat” generally translates to “accessory dwelling unit’ (ADU), which describes a secondary residence that is detached from its main property but shares the same address. The units are often found either alongside or behind traditional houses.

Their growing popularity throughout our local neighborhoods is due in part to the help that San Diego’s Development Service Department is now providing homeowners by navigating them through the permit process. Basically, the city has amended regulations that now make it easier and less expensive to build ADUs, which ultimately bring below-market housing into the equation. And that’s a good thing.

According to data requested by Axios, the City of San Diego issued only four ADU permits in 2015. In 2019, when fees were initially reduced, the number had spiked to 627. Last year, nearly 2,000 permits were issued.

Homeowners interested in building ADUs can book virtual or in-person appointments with city planning experts by signing up through this city government web page.