More permits for ADUs than single-family homes issued in San Diego

According to building permits registered last year, homebuilding is undergoing a boom in San Diego County.

In 2023, builders pulled nearly 12,000 permits, a 21% increase over 2022 and the biggest building spree in 17 years. Although a strong majority of permits in 2023 went to multifamily buildings, with 9,100 permits involving apartments, condos, and townhouses, there was notable growth in another category: accessory dwelling units (ADUs).

In fact, granny flats outpaced single-family construction. Last year, 1,348 ADUs were built across San Diego County, while 1,225 single-family homes were constructed.

Statewide, homeowners added nearly 23,000 ADUs to their properties, the most ever in a single year in California. By allowing smaller, denser units to be put on the market and traded, the state is hoping to create thousands of new affordable homes.

San Jose recently became the first city in California to facilitate a new state law that makes it legal for homeowners to sell ADUs as condos separate from the primary building on the property.