AB 2533: Legalize Your Pre-2020 Unpermitted ADU in San Diego

January 22, 2026 • 18 min read • By San Diego Fast Cash Home Buyer

TL;DR: California's AB 2533 Offers Amnesty for Pre-2020 Unpermitted ADUs

Assembly Bill 2533 (effective January 1, 2025) prohibits San Diego from denying permits for unpermitted ADUs built before January 1, 2020, unless serious health and safety violations exist. The law eliminates penalties, fines, and impact fees—potentially saving $8,000-$20,000. Legalization costs typically range from $10,000-$60,000 depending on required corrections, with 4-8 month timelines. For homeowners unable to pursue legalization, selling as-is to cash buyers who handle permitting offers a viable alternative.

AB 2533 unpermitted ADU legalization San Diego California amnesty program

If you're a San Diego homeowner with an unpermitted garage conversion, basement apartment, or backyard granny flat built before January 1, 2020, California's Assembly Bill 2533 offers you a lifeline. Signed into law on September 28, 2024, and effective as of January 1, 2025, this groundbreaking legislation prohibits local agencies from denying permits for unpermitted accessory dwelling units (ADUs) unless serious health and safety violations exist.

Here's why this matters: throughout California, there are tens of thousands of unpermitted ADUs. In Los Angeles alone, there were an estimated 50,000 unpermitted units as of 2014. A recent Stanford study of San José found that approximately 77% of ADUs built between 2016 and 2020 were unpermitted—that's roughly 1,000 out of 1,300 new units. In San Diego, unpermitted structures are so common that real estate professionals on BiggerPockets forums note that "half of San Diego is un-permitted" due to the city's age and historical development patterns.

For San Diego homeowners, this is your chance to bring your unpermitted ADU into compliance without facing the fines, penalties, or removal orders that have plagued property owners for decades. Whether you inherited a property with an unpermitted structure, added a garage conversion years ago, or purchased a home with an existing unpermitted unit, AB 2533 provides a clear pathway forward. And if the legalization process seems overwhelming, selling your property for cash to buyers who specialize in handling permitting issues remains a viable alternative.

What Is AB 2533 and How Does It Work?

Assembly Bill 2533 amends California Government Code Section 66332 to create an amnesty program for unpermitted ADUs and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADUs) constructed before January 1, 2020. The law fundamentally shifts how local agencies must handle these unpermitted structures.

Under AB 2533, local agencies like San Diego Development Services cannot deny a permit for an unpermitted ADU or JADU built before the January 1, 2020 cutoff date unless they make a finding that correcting a violation is necessary to address a "substandard condition" as defined by Health & Safety Code Section 17920.3. This is a game-changer because it removes the discretionary power local agencies previously had to simply reject legalization applications.

The legislation builds on earlier Senate Bill 1226 from 2018, which first established amnesty protections for ADUs built before January 1, 2018. AB 2533 extends that cutoff date by two full years, bringing an estimated additional 20,000-30,000 California ADUs into potential eligibility.

Key Provisions:

No Penalties or Fines: Local agencies are prohibited from penalizing homeowners for having the unpermitted ADU. You won't face retroactive fines for the years the structure existed without permits.
No Impact Fees: Cities and counties cannot impose impact fees, connection fees, or capacity charges for unpermitted ADUs and JADUs constructed before January 1, 2020. This can save homeowners $5,000 to $15,000 or more.
Confidential Third-Party Inspections: Homeowners have the right to obtain a confidential third-party code inspection from a licensed design professional or general contractor to assess the unit's condition before submitting a permit application. This allows you to understand what repairs or upgrades are needed without immediately notifying the city.
Required City Support: Local agencies must provide a checklist of substandard conditions based on Health & Safety Code Section 17920.3, inform the public about their rights under AB 2533, and approve necessary permits to bring units into compliance with health and safety standards.

For Pacific Beach homeowners with garage conversions, North Park residents with basement apartments, or La Jolla property owners with detached granny flats, this law offers the first real opportunity in decades to legitimize these structures without financial penalties.

The Pre-2020 Eligibility: Why the Date Matters

The January 1, 2020 cutoff date is crucial and non-negotiable. If your unpermitted ADU was constructed on or after this date, it does not qualify for AB 2533 protections. You'll need to go through the standard permitting process, which may include penalties and full plan review.

Why did California choose January 1, 2020? This date represents a balance between encouraging compliance and preventing abuse. By setting the cutoff more than five years before the law's effective date, legislators ensured that property owners couldn't rush to build unpermitted structures just to take advantage of the amnesty program.

How to Prove Your ADU Was Built Before January 1, 2020

Documentation is key:

Property Tax Records: In many cases, county assessors have already added unpermitted structures to your property's assessed value, even without permits. These records can serve as evidence of the structure's age.
Utility Records: Installation dates for electrical service, water meters, or sewer connections can demonstrate when the ADU became functional.
Photographs: Dated photos from Google Earth, real estate listings, insurance documentation, or personal archives can establish the structure's existence before the cutoff.
Contractor Records: If you hired contractors to build the ADU, their invoices, contracts, or records can prove construction dates.
Appraisal Reports: Previous home appraisals may have noted the structure's existence and estimated age.

For San Diego homeowners, it's particularly important to gather this documentation early. The City of San Diego Development Services Department requires evidence of the construction date as part of the AB 2533 application process, as outlined in their Information Bulletin 242.

If you can't definitively prove your ADU predates January 1, 2020, the city may require a building code official's assessment. In some cases, construction materials, building techniques, or architectural styles can help establish approximate construction dates. However, this is a gray area, and homeowners should consult with an experienced ADU contractor or attorney if documentation is incomplete.

Health & Safety Requirements: The Only Barrier to Approval

While AB 2533 prohibits cities from denying permits for unpermitted pre-2020 ADUs, there's one critical exception: substandard conditions that pose health and safety risks. Understanding these requirements is essential because they're the only legitimate basis for permit denial.

California Health & Safety Code Section 17920.3 defines substandard buildings as those with deficiencies in these areas:

1. Inadequate Sanitation

Every ADU must have a water closet (toilet), lavatory (sink), and bathtub or shower with hot and cold running water. Kitchen sinks must also have hot and cold water. Plumbing must be properly connected to the city sewer system or an approved septic system.

2. Structural Hazards

The foundation, walls, and roof must be structurally sound and capable of safely supporting the loads they're designed to carry. Deteriorated or damaged structural elements must be repaired or replaced.

3. Nuisance or Fire Hazards

Buildings must not create fire risks through faulty electrical wiring, inadequate exits, or improper use of materials. Every sleeping room must have at least one emergency egress window or door opening directly to the outside.

4. Inadequate Weather Protection

Roofs, walls, doors, and windows must protect against weather intrusion. This includes proper insulation, weather stripping, and water-resistant materials.

5. Proper Exit Facilities

ADUs must have adequate means of egress in case of fire or emergency. Typically, this means at least two exits from the dwelling, with specific requirements for exit door and window sizes.

6. Light and Ventilation

Habitable rooms must have natural light through windows or skylights, and adequate ventilation through windows or mechanical systems.

7. Safe Electrical Systems

Electrical wiring and equipment must comply with the California Electrical Code. This is often the biggest issue in unpermitted garage conversions, where homeowners may have run extension cords or added outlets without proper electrical permits.

8. Adequate Heating

ADUs must have heating systems capable of maintaining a room temperature of 70°F at a distance of 3 feet above the floor.

The City of San Diego and other local agencies are required by AB 2533 to provide homeowners with a specific checklist of these conditions. Beverly Hills, for example, has published a comprehensive "Substandard Housing AB 2533 Checklist" that details exactly what inspectors will look for.

Most Common Deficiencies in San Diego ADUs:

Electrical systems not up to code (especially in garage conversions)
Inadequate emergency egress windows in bedrooms
Missing or improperly installed bathroom ventilation
Structural modifications made without engineering approval
Insufficient insulation or weather protection

The good news? AB 2533 requires local agencies to approve the necessary permits to correct these deficiencies. So if your Ocean Beach garage conversion lacks proper egress windows, the city must issue a permit allowing you to install them—they can't simply deny the entire legalization application.

San Diego's ADU Legalization Process: Step-by-Step Guide

The City of San Diego has established a specific process for legalizing unpermitted ADUs under AB 2533. Here's what you can expect:

Step 1: Pre-Application Assessment (Optional but Recommended)

Before officially applying, consider obtaining a confidential third-party inspection. Licensed contractors or design professionals can assess your unpermitted ADU and provide a detailed report on what upgrades are needed to meet health and safety standards. This step costs between $500 and $1,500 but can save thousands by identifying issues before the city gets involved.

For San Diego homeowners, companies like GatherADU, SnapADU, and Better Place Design & Build offer pre-application assessments specifically tailored to AB 2533 compliance.

Step 2: Gather Required Documentation

You'll need:

Proof that the ADU was constructed before January 1, 2020
Property survey or site plan showing the ADU's location
Floor plans of the existing ADU (these can be as-built drawings)
Photos of the interior and exterior
Utility bills or records showing the unit has been in use

Step 3: Submit Online Application

All permit applications must be submitted through the City of San Diego's online portal at the Development Services Department. For AB 2533 cases, select the "Building Permit" application type and indicate that you're seeking to legalize a pre-2020 unpermitted ADU.

The permit application fee for ADU legalization typically ranges from $1,500 to $2,500, depending on the unit's size and complexity.

Step 4: Plan Review (60-Day Timeline)

Once your application is deemed complete, California state law requires cities to make a decision within 60 days for ministerial ADU permits. San Diego has historically taken longer—averaging 217 days (about 7 months) according to city data—but recent improvements have reduced average timelines to 3-5 months for standard ADUs.

During plan review, city staff will assess whether your ADU meets health and safety standards. If deficiencies are found, you'll receive a correction notice detailing what must be fixed.

Step 5: Make Required Corrections

This is where costs can vary dramatically. If your Mission Beach garage conversion only needs egress windows and updated electrical outlets, you might spend $5,000 to $10,000. But if structural reinforcement, new plumbing, or HVAC systems are required, costs can reach $30,000 to $50,000 or more.

Common correction costs in San Diego:

Egress window installation: $2,000-$4,000 per window
Electrical panel upgrade and code-compliant wiring: $3,000-$8,000
Bathroom ventilation and plumbing upgrades: $2,000-$5,000
Structural engineering and reinforcement: $5,000-$15,000
Insulation and weather sealing: $2,000-$6,000

Step 6: Inspections

After making corrections, you'll schedule inspections with the city. Typical inspections include:

Foundation and framing (if structural work was done)
Electrical rough-in and final
Plumbing rough-in and final
Mechanical (heating/ventilation)
Final building inspection

Each failed inspection may require re-inspection fees of $150-$250.

Step 7: Certificate of Occupancy

Once all inspections pass, the city will issue a Certificate of Occupancy or Final Approval, making your ADU fully legal. At this point, you can:

Rent the unit legally and report income
Refinance your property with the ADU included in the appraisal
Sell the ADU separately (if allowed under local ordinances)
Use the unit for family members without legal risk

Total Timeline: Expect 4-8 months from initial application to final approval, assuming no major delays or complications.

Total Costs: Between $10,000 and $60,000, depending on the scope of required corrections. However, remember that no impact fees, capacity charges, or penalties can be assessed under AB 2533—potentially saving $8,000 to $20,000 compared to standard permitting.

Costs of Legalizing Your Unpermitted ADU in San Diego

Understanding the full financial picture is critical before deciding whether to legalize your unpermitted ADU or sell the property as-is. Here's a breakdown of typical costs for San Diego homeowners:

Cost Category	Typical Range	Notes
Permit Application Fee	$1,500 - $2,500	Based on ADU size; paid at application submission
Plan Check Fee	$1,000 - $1,600	65% of building permit fee
Third-Party Inspection (Optional)	$500 - $1,500	Confidential pre-application assessment
Egress Window Installation	$2,000 - $4,000 per window	Required for bedrooms; most garage conversions need 1-2
Electrical Upgrades	$3,000 - $8,000	Panel upgrade, code-compliant wiring, GFCI outlets
Plumbing Corrections	$2,000 - $7,000	Bathroom ventilation, proper connections, hot water
Structural Engineering	$2,000 - $5,000	Stamped plans if structural modifications were made
Structural Repairs/Reinforcement	$5,000 - $15,000	Foundation work, wall reinforcement, roof repairs
Insulation & Weather Sealing	$2,000 - $6,000	Required for energy code compliance
HVAC Installation/Upgrade	$3,000 - $8,000	If adequate heating doesn't exist
Re-Inspection Fees	$150 - $250 each	If initial inspections fail
Total Estimated Cost	$10,000 - $60,000	Varies widely based on existing condition

Key Cost Savings Under AB 2533:

What you WON'T pay:

Impact fees: $5,000-$15,000 saved
School fees: $5.17 per square foot saved (typically $2,500-$6,000)
Utility capacity charges: $7,200-$12,000 saved if converting existing structure
Penalties or fines: Typically $1,000-$10,000+ saved

Example 1: Typical 400 sq ft Pacific Beach Garage Conversion

$1,800 permit fees
$3,000 egress window
$5,000 electrical upgrades
$2,500 plumbing corrections
$2,000 insulation
Total: $14,300
You'd save approximately $12,000 in impact and school fees that would normally apply.

Example 2: 800 sq ft North Park Detached ADU with Structural Issues

$2,200 permit fees
$8,000 electrical panel and wiring
$12,000 structural reinforcement
$6,000 egress windows (2)
$4,000 plumbing/HVAC
$4,000 insulation and weather sealing
Total: $36,200
You'd save approximately $18,000 in fees that would otherwise apply.

Property Value Impact: Is Legalization Worth It?

One of the most important questions San Diego homeowners ask is whether legalizing an unpermitted ADU is financially worthwhile. The data is compelling:

Property Value Increases

According to multiple real estate studies, legal ADUs increase property values by 25-35% on average. In high-demand San Diego neighborhoods like La Jolla, Pacific Beach, and North Park, some homeowners have seen even larger increases.

One documented case study shows a homeowner who built a 500-square-foot ADU for $200,000 saw their home's value increase by $300,000—the ADU more than paid for itself in equity. In premium San Diego markets, property value lifts of $100,000 to $300,000+ are common when ADUs are legalized and properly permitted.

However—and this is critical—unpermitted ADUs typically add zero value in formal appraisals. Appraisers will invariably increase your property's value for a legal ADU, but an unpermitted unit may not be credited in the official appraisal at all. This creates a major problem when:

Selling to buyers who need financing (the appraisal must support the purchase price)
Refinancing your mortgage (the ADU won't count toward your home's value)
Obtaining home equity lines of credit

Rental Income Potential

Legal ADUs in San Diego generate substantial monthly income:

Studio/1-bedroom ADUs: $1,900-$2,900/month (March 2024 averages)
2-bedroom ADUs: $2,600-$3,700/month
Well-designed 1-bedroom units in coastal areas: $2,500-$3,500/month

A small 400-square-foot ADU renting for $2,000/month generates $24,000 in annual income. Over 10 years, that's $240,000 in rental income—far exceeding the $10,000-$15,000 cost to legalize the unit.

But here's the catch: renting an unpermitted ADU is illegal in California, and tenants have the right to sue landlords if problems occur. By legalizing under AB 2533, you gain legal protection and can openly advertise the rental.

Break-Even Analysis

For most San Diego homeowners, the break-even calculation looks like this:

If legalization costs $15,000 and the ADU rents for $2,000/month, you break even in just 7.5 months of rental income. If you plan to hold the property for more than a year, legalization is almost always the financially superior choice.

Alternatively, if legalization increases property value by $100,000 and costs $15,000, you've gained $85,000 in equity—a 567% return on investment.

When Selling for Cash Makes More Sense

While AB 2533 makes legalization more accessible, it's not the right choice for every homeowner. If you're facing any of these situations, selling your San Diego property for cash to a buyer who specializes in properties with unpermitted ADUs may be your best option:

1. You Don't Have $10,000-$60,000 for Legalization

Legalization requires upfront capital. If your unpermitted ADU needs extensive corrections—structural work, electrical panel upgrades, new plumbing—you might need $40,000 or more before you see any return. Cash buyers purchase properties as-is, eliminating your need to invest in repairs.

2. You're Facing Foreclosure or Need to Sell Quickly

The AB 2533 process takes 4-8 months minimum. If you're behind on mortgage payments, facing foreclosure, or need to relocate for work, you don't have time to go through the permitting process. Cash buyers can close in as little as 7-14 days.

3. The Required Corrections Are Cost-Prohibitive

If your third-party inspection reveals that your La Jolla granny flat needs $50,000 in structural repairs and you'd only gain $60,000 in property value, the juice isn't worth the squeeze. Selling as-is to a cash buyer who'll handle the legalization themselves can be more profitable.

4. You Inherited a Property with Unknown Issues

Many San Diego homeowners inherit properties from parents or relatives and discover unpermitted ADUs they knew nothing about. If you're not familiar with the property's history and don't want to deal with city inspectors, code enforcement, and contractor management, a cash sale eliminates the headache.

5. You Want to Avoid the Risk of Permit Denial

While AB 2533 makes denial less likely, it's not impossible. If your ADU has serious health and safety violations that can't be economically corrected—like being built in a required setback or on an easement—the city can still deny your permit application. Cash buyers assess these risks and make offers accordingly.

How Cash Buyers Work with Unpermitted ADUs

Cash home buyers in San Diego who specialize in properties with code violations typically:

Make offers 10-20% below market value to account for legalization costs and risk
Close quickly without requiring appraisals or bank financing
Take title to the property as-is, including all unpermitted structures
Handle the AB 2533 legalization process themselves after purchase
Assume all risks of permit denial or unexpected correction costs

For example, if your Pacific Beach home with an unpermitted garage conversion would be worth $900,000 with a legal ADU, a cash buyer might offer $720,000-$750,000. You'd receive less than full market value, but you'd avoid:

$15,000-$30,000 in legalization costs
4-8 months of time and stress
Risk of permit denial or cost overruns
Need to manage contractors and inspections

For some San Diego homeowners—particularly those who are elderly, relocating, or financially stretched—this trade-off makes perfect sense.

Pacific Beach, La Jolla & Coastal San Diego: Special Considerations

Unpermitted ADUs are particularly common in San Diego's coastal neighborhoods due to high housing costs, limited inventory, and strong rental demand. However, these areas also face unique challenges under AB 2533:

Coastal Zone Regulations

Properties in the California Coastal Zone—which includes parts of Pacific Beach, La Jolla, Ocean Beach, and Mission Beach—may require additional review by the California Coastal Commission. While AB 2533 protects you from penalties, coastal zone setback requirements, view protection ordinances, and environmental regulations can still complicate legalization.

For example, if your Ocean Beach unpermitted ADU is within 50 feet of the coastal bluff, you may need a geotechnical report ($3,000-$5,000) and special foundation engineering to address erosion concerns.

Parking Requirements

San Diego's Beach Impact Area has special parking regulations. While state law generally prohibits cities from requiring additional parking for ADUs near transit, some coastal neighborhoods may require parking replacement if you converted a garage to an ADU.

Under current San Diego regulations, you may need to demonstrate that:

Replacement parking exists elsewhere on the property
The property is within a half-mile of public transit (which most coastal areas are)
Parking can be satisfied through tandem spaces or on-street permits

Short-Term Rental Restrictions

Many San Diego homeowners in Pacific Beach and Mission Beach have used unpermitted ADUs for short-term vacation rentals. However, San Diego Municipal Code strictly limits short-term rentals, and legalizing your ADU won't automatically grant you permission to use it as a vacation rental.

If your plan is to rent the ADU on Airbnb or VRBO, you'll need to apply for a separate short-term residential occupancy license, which may be denied in areas that have reached their STR caps.

Historic Districts

Portions of La Jolla and other coastal neighborhoods are designated historic districts. If your property is in a historic overlay zone, your unpermitted ADU may need to undergo design review to ensure compatibility with the neighborhood's historic character—even under AB 2533.

This can add 2-3 months to the timeline and may require architectural modifications that increase costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is AB 2533 and when did it take effect?

Assembly Bill 2533 is a California law signed on September 28, 2024, and effective January 1, 2025. It prohibits local agencies from denying permits for unpermitted accessory dwelling units (ADUs) or junior accessory dwelling units (JADUs) constructed before January 1, 2020, unless serious health and safety violations exist. The law eliminates penalties, fines, and impact fees for homeowners seeking to legalize these units.

How do I prove my unpermitted ADU was built before January 1, 2020?

You can use property tax records showing when the county assessor added the structure, utility connection records with installation dates, dated photographs from Google Earth or real estate listings, contractor invoices or contracts, or previous appraisal reports mentioning the structure. The City of San Diego requires documentation proving the construction date as part of the AB 2533 application process.

How much does it cost to legalize an unpermitted ADU in San Diego?

Total costs typically range from $10,000 to $60,000 depending on your ADU's condition. This includes permit fees ($1,500-$2,500), plan check fees ($1,000-$1,600), and corrections like egress windows ($2,000-$4,000 each), electrical upgrades ($3,000-$8,000), plumbing corrections ($2,000-$7,000), and structural work ($5,000-$15,000 if needed). However, AB 2533 exempts you from impact fees ($5,000-$15,000), school fees ($2,500-$6,000), and penalties that would normally apply.

Can the City of San Diego deny my AB 2533 legalization application?

The city can only deny your application if your ADU has substandard conditions that pose health and safety risks under Health & Safety Code Section 17920.3. These include inadequate sanitation, structural hazards, fire risks, insufficient exits, faulty electrical systems, or lack of proper heating. However, even if deficiencies exist, AB 2533 requires the city to approve permits allowing you to correct these issues—they cannot simply deny the entire application without providing a path to compliance.

How long does the AB 2533 legalization process take in San Diego?

State law requires cities to make decisions within 60 days for ministerial ADU permits. San Diego's actual timeline averages 3-5 months for standard cases, though historically it has taken up to 7 months. From initial application to final Certificate of Occupancy, expect 4-8 months total, including time for corrections and inspections. This timeline can extend if major structural work is required or if you're in the Coastal Zone requiring additional review.

Will legalizing my ADU increase my property value?

Yes, significantly. Legal ADUs increase San Diego property values by 25-35% on average, with some coastal properties seeing increases of $100,000 to $300,000. However, unpermitted ADUs typically add zero value in formal appraisals, creating problems when selling to financed buyers or refinancing. Legal ADUs in San Diego also generate $1,900-$3,700/month in rental income depending on size and location.

What are the most common health and safety violations in unpermitted ADUs?

The most common issues are: electrical systems not up to code (especially in garage conversions with extension cords or improper wiring), inadequate emergency egress windows in bedrooms, missing bathroom ventilation, structural modifications made without engineering approval, and insufficient insulation. Most Pacific Beach garage conversions need egress window upgrades and electrical panel improvements at minimum.

Can I rent out my unpermitted ADU while waiting for AB 2533 approval?

Renting an unpermitted ADU is illegal in California, and tenants have the right to sue you if problems occur. You should wait until you receive your Certificate of Occupancy before legally renting the unit. However, AB 2533 does not require you to evict current tenants during the legalization process—you can continue existing rental arrangements while pursuing permits, though this carries legal risk.

What if I can't afford the $10,000-$60,000 to legalize my ADU?

If legalization costs are prohibitive, selling your property as-is to a cash buyer is a viable alternative. Cash buyers who specialize in properties with unpermitted structures typically offer 10-20% below market value but close quickly (7-14 days), require no repairs from you, and handle all legalization costs and risks themselves. This option works well for homeowners facing foreclosure, needing quick relocation, or lacking capital for upfront repairs.

Do Pacific Beach and coastal neighborhoods have special ADU requirements?

Yes. Properties in the California Coastal Zone may require Coastal Commission review, geotechnical reports for bluff-adjacent structures, and compliance with view protection ordinances. Beach Impact Area properties may need parking replacement if you converted a garage. Historic districts like parts of La Jolla may require design review even under AB 2533. These additional requirements can add 2-3 months and $3,000-$8,000 to the legalization timeline and costs.

Conclusion: Your Path Forward

Assembly Bill 2533 represents the most significant opportunity in California history for homeowners to legalize unpermitted ADUs without penalties. For San Diego property owners with garage conversions, granny flats, or basement apartments built before January 1, 2020, this is your chance to bring these structures into compliance, unlock their full property value, and generate legal rental income.

The legalization process through San Diego Development Services takes 4-8 months and typically costs $10,000 to $60,000, depending on what health and safety corrections are needed. But the payoff can be substantial: legal ADUs in San Diego increase property values by 25-35% on average and generate $1,900 to $3,700 per month in rental income.

However, legalization isn't right for everyone. If you're facing financial constraints, need to sell quickly, or simply don't want to deal with the permitting process, selling your property as-is to a cash buyer who specializes in unpermitted structures is a legitimate alternative.

Whether you choose to legalize or sell, the key is taking action before code enforcement discovers your unpermitted ADU. While AB 2533 protects you from penalties during the legalization process, it doesn't stop the city from issuing notices of violation or requiring unit removal if you don't pursue permitting.

Ready to explore your options? We buy San Diego properties with unpermitted ADUs for cash and can provide a no-obligation offer within 24 hours. We handle all permitting complexities after purchase, allowing you to move forward without the stress, time, or expense of dealing with the city. Whether your unpermitted ADU is in Pacific Beach, North Park, La Jolla, or anywhere else in San Diego, we can help.

Alternatively, if you want to pursue legalization yourself, we can connect you with experienced ADU contractors and consultants who specialize in AB 2533 compliance. Contact us today for a free property assessment and personalized recommendation.