How New San Diego ADUs Intended for Residents Became Vacation Rentals

['Author', 'Mike B', 'Lorna Zukas', 'Sara H', 'Paul Krueger', 'Scott Chipman', 'Bonnie Kutch', 'Ron. May', 'Anthony Rosa'] OB Rag — Grassroots and Progressive views on local, national and world news 2025-09-24 05:44:04

In June, San Diego police had to break up what sounded like a rooftop bachelorette party after midnight, city records show. The City Council made it illegal in 2017 to turn new accessory dwelling units, or ADUs, into short-term vacation rentals. “People come here all the time,” King said, adding that it’s part of the price to pay when living in San Diego. Following a statewide push, the San Diego City Council eased restrictions around building ADUs in 2017. In exchange for these new building incentives, the San Diego City Council made it illegal to rent new ADUs for fewer than 30 days.