Many fees for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) less than 750 square feet will be waived automatically according to SB13 which went into effect January 1, 2020.  Please contact the Building Division at 760.639.6108 to see if your Development Impact Fees will be waived automatically or if you are eligible for the fee waiver program.

On August 13, 2019, the City of Vista adopted Ordinance No. 2019-11, amending Chapter 18.31 of the City of Vista Municipal Code, which provides for certain fees to be waived in the development of Accessory Dwelling Units. Certain development impact fees for an ADU will be waived if the following conditions are met:

• The ADU is occupied by an eligible household (see below) during the first ten years following the issuance of the certificate of occupancy for the unit; and

• The owner of the property has executed and recorded a regulatory agreement, in a form approved by the City Attorney, to assure compliance with this paragraph, and such rules as may be necessary so that the unit is eligible to be counted towards the City's regional housing needs assessment. An eligible household shall consist of either
  
  • a lower income household which has a gross income which does not exceed 80 percent of the San Diego County median, adjusted by household size;
  • or (2) a family member or caregiver providing regular care to an owner or occupant of the primary unit in need of that care.

Immediately after submitting plans, ADU owners are required to execute and provide to the City for recording a “Covenant Agreement Restricting Occupancy and Rents for an Accessory Dwelling Unit." Instructions for the successful completion of the ADU Fee Waiver Program is located here. 

CONTACTS
Building Division: 760.639.6108
ADU Fee Waiver Program: Housing Division 760.639.6191

Contact

Housing and Homeless Services Division
760.639.6191
email