San Diego is moving toward allowing ADUs (granny flats) to be sold separately from the main home, similar to condominiums.

• This change is enabled by California’s AB 1033 (2023), but cities must opt in.

• The City Council approved the idea at its first reading in July 2025, but the final vote has been delayed twice.

• Currently, ADUs in San Diego must remain on the same property title as the main home.

• The proposal comes as the city is rolling back its previous “bonus ADU” program, which had allowed multiple units per lot and contributed to a surge in ADU construction.

If adopted, this would let homeowners build an ADU and sell it as a separate property, potentially creating more affordable ownership options.

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