What are the setback and height rules for ADUs in Lemon Grove?

Lemon Grove generally applies minimum 4-foot interior side, street-side and rear setbacks for ADUs, with front setbacks around 25 feet unless there is no other feasible location. Maximum height ranges from 16 feet to as much as 18–20 feet on properties within one-half mile of major transit or where additional height is needed to match the primary roof pitch.

How many ADUs can I build on a multifamily property in Lemon Grove?

According to Lemon Grove’s ADU Development Standards, multifamily properties may support up to two detached ADUs and additional conversion ADUs in up to 25 percent of existing multifamily units, subject to building and safety requirements.

How do Lemon Grove homeowners finance an ADU?

Most Lemon Grove ADU projects are financed through cash-out refinance, second mortgages or home equity lines of credit (HELOCs), using existing equity and anticipated rental income to support the loan structure.

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Lemon Grove Homes with ADU, Casita & Guest House

This page is your guide to Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in Lemon Grove, CA. Lemon Grove promotes ADUs across several residential zones and uses a clear ADU Development Standards handout so owners can see setbacks, height, parking and size limits at a glance.

The city’s ADU standards allow attached and detached units up to 1,200 sq ft, with 4-foot side and rear setbacks, typical 25-foot front setbacks (with flexibility where there’s no other place to build), and 16–20 ft height ranges depending on transit access and roof pitch alignment. Many ADUs are exempt from off-street parking when they lie within a half-mile of transit.

Fun Fact: Lemon Grove calls itself the “Best Climate on Earth” and sits between San Diego and El Cajon, with tree-lined streets and small-town feel that pairs well with rental ADUs and multigenerational living.

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⭐ Local ADU Expertise — Jessica Rinaldi: Jessica works with Lemon Grove’s official ADU Development Standards, focusing on which zones allow ADUs (RL, RLM, RM, RMH, RP, CG), 1,200 sq ft size caps, 16–20 ft height options based on transit, 4-foot side and rear setbacks, 10-foot separation requirements between structures, and parking exemptions for sites within a half-mile of bus stops. She helps owners and buyers test real parcels against the standards instead of guessing off generic advice.

Investment Potential: Why Build or Buy an ADU in Lemon Grove?

Lemon Grove allows one ADU and one JADU on many single-family lots. The standards handout confirms one ADU plus one JADU for single-family and multiple ADUs on multifamily properties, opening up real infill potential.
Detached ADUs can be as large as 1,200 sq ft. Full-size units create meaningful rental income and multigenerational space when paired with the city’s flexible lot coverage and FAR rules.
4-foot side and rear setbacks are supported by the city table. Many backyards can accommodate an ADU within these reduced setback standards without triggering variances.
Most Lemon Grove ADUs are exempt from off-street parking. If a property is within half a mile of transit, parking requirements may be waived, and garage conversions may not require replacement spaces.
Owner-occupancy is not required for standard ADUs under AB 976. Investors can legally rent out both the main home and ADU while JADUs retain separate owner-occupancy rules.

Lemon Grove ADU, Casita & Guest House Listings

Live MLS feed — focused on homes with guest-house or casita-style amenities:

New ADU-capable listings in Lemon Grove appear as the East County market updates.

Where Is Lemon Grove, CA?

Lemon Grove sits between San Diego and El Cajon just south of Highway 94, offering trolley access, small-lot neighborhoods and hillside streets that are increasingly targeted for ADU infill.

Lemon Grove ADU & Financing FAQs: What Should Owners Know?

Q: How big can a detached ADU be in Lemon Grove?

A: The city’s ADU standards allow detached ADUs up to 1,200 square feet, with minimum floor area of 150 square feet, consistent with state ADU requirements.

Q: Is owner-occupancy required for my ADU in Lemon Grove?

A: No. The development standards table lists “Not required” for owner-occupancy on ADUs, and California’s AB 976 permanently prohibits cities from imposing owner-occupancy requirements on standard ADUs. JADUs still require owner-occupancy.

Q: What are the basic setback and height rules for ADUs in Lemon Grove?

A: Lemon Grove generally applies 4-foot interior side, street-side and rear setbacks for ADUs, with front setbacks around 25 feet unless there is no other buildable area. Maximum height ranges from 16 feet up to 18–20 feet on properties near major transit or where roof pitch needs to match the primary home.

Q: How many ADUs can I build if I own a multifamily property in Lemon Grove?

A: The standards allow two detached ADUs plus conversion ADUs of up to 25% of existing multifamily units, subject to code and safety requirements.

Q: Do I need off-street parking for an ADU in Lemon Grove?

A: The ADU handout notes that most ADUs are parking-exempt, particularly when located within one-half mile of a bus stop or transit station; a conversion of an existing garage typically does not require replacement spaces.

Q: How do Lemon Grove homeowners usually finance an ADU?

A: Most ADU projects are funded through cash-out refinance, second mortgages or HELOCs, using existing equity and projected rental income to support the loan structure.

ADU Planning & Strategy with Solve Lending & Realty

Solve Lending & Realty helps Lemon Grove buyers and owners interpret ADU Development Standards, check zoning and setbacks, review transit-based parking exemptions and estimate realistic ADU rental ranges before you commit to a full build.

San Diego County REALTOR® Jessica Rinaldi leads ADU-focused planning in Lemon Grove, working directly with Kenji Inui and the Solve Lending & Realty lending team.