Vista City Council votes to expand ADU ordinance to allow three bedrooms

VISTA, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) – Vista City Council voted to amend the city’s ordinance for accessory dwelling units to allow up to three bedrooms.

“I understand the thinking behind consideration of allowing three-bedroom ADUs to increase housing capacity. Where I’m stumped is what happens with parking,” Stephanie Jackel said.

Vista’s original ordinance was passed in 2022 to allow for ADUs and Junior ADUs with a limit of two bedrooms.

“Vista already has a bad parking problem with people lining the street on both sides,” Margaret Ramsing said.

“The parking is definitely a consideration. A three-bedroom dwelling unit is a complete home,” Mayor John Franklin said.

Franklin was the only council member to echo resident concerns. Ultimately, he was outvoted and the new room allowance passed 4-1.

“The reality is, we already can build two-bedroom ADUs with an office. Those are being built like crazy anyways and being used,” Councilmember Joe Green said.

Under the new ordinance, the maximum size will stay the same at 1,200 square feet, even if someone chooses to add a third bedroom.

Councilmember Dan O’Donnell, who proposed the change, said improving housing stock outweighs any issues with parking.

“We need to provide better opportunities for our residents to build and even once this goes through, you’re not going to see a flood of applications because it’s still between $400,000 and $600,000 to build one,” O’Donnell said.

The councilmembers also voted to spend $40,000 to create four additional ready-to-use floor plans for any Vista residents looking to build an ADU.

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