San Diego Sacrifices Fire Safety to Push Mega Bonus ADU Projects

According to San Diego's fire codes, new development in San Diego requires at least 20 feet of unobstructed street width and a 50-foot turning radius for fire engines.

This applies EVERYWHERE in San Diego, not just in high-risk fire zones.

Yet, San Diego's Bonus ADU program has allowed 15+ Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) to be packed behind homes, such as the project shown below in Rolando, which sits on a narrow cul-de-sac.

The project above shows 15+ ADUs units being constructed under the Bonus ADU program on a narrow cul-de-sac in the single-family zoned neighborhood of Rolando. The same developer has already applied for another 13 ADUs just one house away, and may be considering two other properties on the same block as neighbors flee.

It is concerning that we are still discovering regulations that the Development Services Department (DSD) has not been enforcing.

The City should not be piling on density in existing residential neighborhoods that are already ill-equipped to meet the City's current fire code requirements.

How is the City going to ensure the emergency passage of fire engines when narrow roads are clogged with parked cars and fleeing residents? — Red-curb our streets and eliminate parking from entire blocks as a favor to Bonus ADU developers?

This is an important question for your City Councilmember AND the Planning Department to answer before the June 16 City Council meeting.

Contact your Councilmember by clicking here.

The full implications of the Bonus ADU program weren't fully known when it was approved by the City Council in 2020, but the chance to correct this is at the City Council meeting on Monday, June 16.

Please SAVE THE DATE and look for our forthcoming Call To Action.

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