Supervisors to Look at Converting ADUs to Condos for the Purpose of Selling
Next week, August 19th, the Board of Supervisors will look at reclassifying ADUs as condos for the purpose of allowing them to be sold.
In the past, the rule changed that a land owner could add an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) to their property. This was great for keeping grandma close or a child that couldn't afford the crazy prices they're getting for apartments these days.
Next, the County snuck in a second or Junior ADU that you were allowed to build on your property. So density changed from one home to three dwelling allowed on one piece of property.
If everyone "took advantage" of this new option, you have then effectively tripled the people and cars and noise levels in your neighborhood.
How Does This Benefit the County?
If I understand this correctly, the selling of these individual ADUs would create new land parcels. The County would benefit by doubling or even tripling their property tax income.
How Does This benefit the Land Owner?
Not much unless you plan to sell the ADUs separately. But then you would need to sell your house also and leave Dodge because your neighbors would generally despise you for accelerating the density in your once-quiet community.
If you decide to stay in your home, you've generally sabotaged yourself because you've got who-knows-who living feet from your door. And they'll know everything about what goes on in your house.
Draft Options from the County
Here is the email received:
"We are reaching out about draft options to support homeownership and owner-occupancy of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) that may be converted and sold as condominiums, which will be presented to the County of San Diego Board of Supervisors. Theses draft options were developed in response to Board direction. On March 4, 2026, the Board amended to the County's Zoning Ordinance to allow for the separate sale of ADUs in unincorporated communities through a condominium conversion process. The Board also directed staff to return with options to support homeownership and owner-occupancy.
The options do not amend the regulations that allow the separate sale of ADUs, and focus only on additional requirements intended to support homeownership and owner-occupancy of the units. In response to Board direction, staff developed the following new options:
Option 1 - No Additional Local Criteria (Maintain Existing Ordinance): This option would maintain the ADU ordinance as currently adopted, relying solely on the State framework without additional local requirements.
Option 2 - Right of First Refusal (ROFR): Each condominium owner on a lot must establish a ROFR contract with an existing tenant or another condo owner on the same lot. The holder of the ROFR contract will have the right to purchase if they are able to match a future purchase offer.
Option 3 - Owner Occupancy Affidavit: New buyers of ADU condominiums must sign an affidavit stating that they, or a family member, intend to occupy the condo as a primary residence for a defined period.
Option 4 - Required Public Posting Period: Each new time an ADU condominium is listed for sale, the owner must publish the listing for a defined period of time with a disclosure stating that the ADU is being offered to buyers intending to use the ADU as a primary residence for themselves or a family member.
Through this effort, additional concepts related to broader housing opportunities were discussed, including Tenant Relocation Assistance, Empty Home Tax, Deed Restriction, and increasing the allowable size of ADUs; however, staff is not presenting these concepts as options for this project. While these concepts are above and beyond the options brought forward, they may be discussed at the public hearing during the allotted time for comments.
For more information, please review the Board Letter and materials.
Board of Supervisors Hearing Information:
Date: August 19, 2026
Time: 9:00 a.m.
Location: County Administrative Center 3rd Floor, Room 310
1600 Pacific Highway, San Diego, CA 92101
Public Participation:
We encourage you to participate in the meeting and provide a comment. If you have any questions, please contact the Clerk of the Board."
What Should Your Reaction Be?
Now is the time to wake up and pay attention to what is happening in your community. The County has been inching along toward their goal of densifying every nook-and-cranny of San Diego County. Zoning ordinances are being redesigned every few months.
If you don't subscribe to County emails or read Sunnyside Common Sense on a daily basis, then you probably haven't a clue as to what has been transpiring. They are no doubt "flying under the radar."
If you are able, attend the Board of Supervisors' hearing on August 19th at 9AM at the County Administrative Center, 3rd Floor, Room 310, 1600 Pacific Highway, San Diego, CA 92101.
If that is not possible, then participate by writing a comment about how you feel about this new draft option. These comments go on the record and your voice will be heard.
The more people that comment from Bonita-Sunnyside, the better. It might give the County the understanding that this community is watching them and will not allow our peaceful, rural community to be further destroyed.
How to Send a Comment
Your comment must arrive three days prior to the meeting, no later than August 16. I suggest writing it right now so you don't forget. Here's how:
Click on participate. This will take you to the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors.
After [Agendas] on the left side, go down to [How to Participate in Board of Supervisors Meetings].
Move down to the section on "how you can take part" and click on [written comments], it is shown in blue type.
That takes you to Speak Up San Diego County. Go to the August 19th meeting and click on [View Agenda].
Scroll down to Item 4. Noticed Public Hearing: ADU Ordinance Amendment: ADU Separate Sale Implementation Options to Support Homeownership and Owner Occupancy and Related CEQA Exemptions.
Click [Comment] on the right. Fill out your info and select your position. After you finish your comment, you can read comments written by others.
If this is too difficult for you to follow, you can also send an email to PublicComment@sdcounty.ca.gov. Be sure to write ADU COUNTY ZONING ORDINANCE in the Subject line.
Please take five minutes to follow these instructions and tell the County how you feel changing the Zoning Ordinance to allow for the sale of ADUs.
Comments