SAN DIEGO — People living in the Redwood Village neighborhood near Rolando reached out to CBS 8 saying that more than a dozen accessory dwelling units (ADUs) may be coming to their cul-de-sac. CBS 8 is working for you to find out the details of the project and whether or not it's following the rules.
“I found out through Nextdoor, a lady across town telling me that on Boren Street, they were going to put 14 units," said Aurora Wilson. "Then I started digging around and found out yes, it’s true.”
Wilson lives on Boren St, but not for long. She is selling her home because of what may be coming.
“I love California, it’s beautiful but our politicians seem to think it’s ok to destroy single-family residences,” said Wilson.
According to Wilson, SDRE Homebuyers has plans to add 14 ADUs next door to her.
Last week, CBS 8 reported on a similar project already under construction in Clairemont by the same developer involving 17 ADUs. At that time, CBS 8 spoke with the developer’s attorney.
"This is trying to find a solution that addresses our ongoing housing crisis, but in a responsible fashion,” said Schuyler Hoffman, who grew up in Bay Park and Point Loma. "We are adding density, but we’re adding much-needed density.”
To illustrate what a typical ADU project of theirs looks like, Hoffman pointed CBS 8 to one they completed on Firestone Street in Clairemont involving the addition of 10 ADUs behind a single-family home.
“These are really attractive units, and the build quality is exceptional. That’s because we’re trying to attract a certain type of tenant, you know, somebody who is responsible, somebody who is a good neighbor," said Hoffman.
CBS 8 met with neighbors on Boren Street. They expressed concerns about limited street parking, fire risk, and emergency vehicle access to their cul-de-sac.
“We don’t mind one unit in the back, but we do mind 14 units,” said Wilson.
Hoffman told CBS 8 he does not believe parking is a major issue with these types of housing projects.
“With the nature of these developments and who is enticed by this type of living arrangement as a tenant, we’re finding that these folks typically are utilizing public transportation, or ride share, or they're sharing a vehicle," said Hoffman.
The developer is relying on San Diego’s ADU Bonus Program. For every affordable one they build for low-to-moderate-income, they’re allowed to add an extra bonus unit.
The permit application describes seven separate two-story structures, each with two ADUs stacked on top of one another.
“What we are concerned with is the abuse of the Bonus ADU ordinance," said neighbor Russ Edra. "I think because of a loophole, developers are building these high-density properties without changing the underlying zoning requirements.”
CBS 8 reached out to San Diego’s Development Services Department, and they confirmed that the permit application for this project is still under review.
At CBS 8, we are always Working for You and our community. This is a station promise that we will go the extra mile to solve a problem our audience can’t solve themselves. We want to hear your ideas on how we can cover and help our community. If you have a story idea, please email us at workingforyou@cbs8.com.