San Diego is stepping back to reassess its fast-growing Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Bonus Program — a housing initiative that has sparked both praise and protest citywide. Originally designed to combat the housing crisis by allowing homeowners to build multiple units on their properties, the program is now facing major reforms after a recent City Council committee vote.

With over 160 speakers voicing opinions during a six-hour meeting, the Land Use and Housing Committee voted 3–1 to approve new limits on ADU developments. The proposed changes include capping the size of projects, requiring off-street parking, limiting new construction to two stories, and increasing setbacks. These changes aim to preserve neighborhood character and reduce strain on infrastructure, especially in areas like Clairemont, Encanto, and Rolando — neighborhoods that have seen a wave of large-scale ADU projects.

Since 2021, more than 5,000 ADUs have been built in San Diego. While supporters argue these “backyard homes” are a critical tool in increasing affordable housing — especially near transit hubs — opponents say they’ve brought congestion, parking problems, and drastic changes to single-family neighborhoods.

Mayor Todd Gloria has also proposed rolling back aspects of the program, including eliminating ADU incentives in very-low-density zones and introducing additional fees in wildfire hazard areas. Critics worry, however, that these rollbacks could limit opportunities in the very neighborhoods with the best schools, clean air, and economic mobility — effectively reinforcing long-standing inequities.

At the same time, efforts like the San Diego Housing Commission’s ADU Finance Program continue to support middle-income homeowners with loans and design resources, helping create more affordable rental units. But even these efforts face challenges — funding for the program has run dry for the upcoming fiscal year.

As the full City Council prepares to vote, San Diego faces a complex decision: how to meet its growing housing needs while protecting the communities that give the city its unique character.

📣 Want to have a say? Contact your City Council member or State Senator and share your thoughts. Whether you're a homeowner, renter, or future buyer, these decisions shape the future of where — and how — we live in San Diego.