A little over a month ago, the Rag announced our “Worst ADUs in San Diego” contest. We said then:
If a towering “accessory dwelling unit” (ADU) is throwing shade at you and your neighbors, the OB Rag wants to hear from you. Why? We’re holding a contest, ta-dah.
The OB Rag is inviting submissions for its “Worst ADUs in San Diego” contest. We are looking for extreme examples of ADUs that are excessive in size and overpowering in impact.
The nomination process was easy — residents sent us emails with the basic information and we kept the “nominating” process open until the last week of August. And by the end we had received over 50 nominations from 20 different neighborhoods. We had a panel of judges made up of investigative reporters and ADU experts who then chose the semi-finalists. Judges then went out to the sites with the following criteria:
- Physical Size: Footprint, number of units/stories, proximity to property lines
- Aesthetics: Architectural design, landscaping, setbacks
- Neighborhood Impacts: Street parking, sight lines and privacy, communication with neighbors, responsiveness to neighbors’ concerns
The judges then deliberated and made selections for the Gold, Silver and Bronze categories. Trophies in the form of gift cards will then be sent to the “winners” — the people who made the entries (not to the property owners with the ADUs) and we kept their identities confidential.
There were so many outrageous ADUs, that we decided to select a dozen “Dishonorable Mentions.”
Without further ado, the envelopes please!
A special thanks to Kate Callen who coordinated the contest and to all the judges who participated and deliberated.
The Rag Worst ADU contest is over and the “winners” announced. Find out if you’re living next door to some of the worst ADUs in the city.
I live next door to the ADU at 3525 Eugene Pl. (see dishonorable mentions). Besides the fact that this monolith is out of place on the property and the neighborhood, there are also very real consequences for building a huge structure in a neighborhood with old infrastructure. This neighbor was unable to pass inspection on her fire suppression system due to low water pressure in Normal Heights. KARMA.
Pamela: So no one will be able to live there? Priceless. Jesse’s logic didn’t pan out, did it?
I bet you had to make a large stink in order to make this happen.
Cannot be rented and cars cannot be parked in the garage. We didn’t do a thing to make this happen, either the city or homeowners insurance raised the issue. It was all poor planning on the neighbors part.
Pamela,
So sorry that you have this terrible structure next door to you. At least some of the DSD inspectors are doing their job. I wonder if the City can be sued, as well as the DSD plan checker individually for allowing the permit approval.
We have considered pursuing legal action against the city. DSD definitely needs to be held responsible for green lighting this project that a huge fire risk, violates zoning AND we’re on a canyon in a high fire area.
Pamela. this type of legal action needs to go Citywide. There are plenty of major projects approved by junior planners, that will turn out to be mistakes, either soon after, or years later, when someones house burns down because it’s too close to another building in a high fire zone.
I know it’s been explored before, but hasn’t had traction. What’s become of the Sustainable San Diego v COSD? lawsuit?
That’s great to hear on that end, Pamela. Ralph: I think it goes back to the DSD inspector who approved this project. That’s why these megaprojects need SOMEONE from the DSD to go to each site, check other boxes, like water pressure, distance from a neibs chimney, I’m sure as sin that others will encounter the same problems.
The DSD told me years ago that they don’t have the resources to visit sites and have to rely on the integrity of the information provided to them. But, even when then presented with misrepresentations on a set of plans, they did nothing.
Well done
What concerns me the most is the fact that they are building all this density in a high fire zone with limited, or almost impossible, escape routes (12-20% grades going up). I think fire runs faster uphill, so al those4 scurrying to get out will be toast. The 12 unit project on 54th is one such example.
It’s not going to be IF a fire starts, it’s WHEN some kid blows off fireworks on the 4th of July from that location, has a few laughs and then sets the whole area on fire. It’s going to be carnage,. As the firetrucks come in to put it out, EVERYONE, and their mother are going to be trying to GET OUT. Ramifications of the City Counsel and “strong mayor” are not considered at all. CEQA (fire dept concerns) are basically ignored.
In many, if not most of these builds, CEQA is waived. The city will be bankrupt when the lawsuits hit and perhaps the State will be liable as well.
Dave! 100% absolutely right?????
Great contest…Now do one for “worst streets”. Lots to choose from.
how about any street that has one of these beauts on. Because, everyone who lives in those little boxes will own a car, and will not take transit, ride a bike or walk.
Well put. One ADU went up in my neighborhood and the couple both have cars. There is no driveway so they have to park on a very busy street w limited street parking now.
Now do a contest for worst streets!
I nominate Clairemont Dr.
OMG I have no words. These are truly awful.
if they shared them all, it might crash their system… There’s just SOOOO many of them.
Any chance we can see all of the other entries?
And can we please dump the “America’s Finest City nickname?”
I have two suggestions. San Diego – America’s most dysfunctional city or
San Diego – City in reverse motion,
america’s propertybroiest city.
San Diego – The city the politicians forgot.
I’ve been calling it ‘America’s Fiscal Pity’ for years.
That one on Firestone is a doozy. Maybe the Jicarillo folks should contact Jen Campbell again to show another pair of beauts on that street. It’s her district. She’s asleep at the wheel, while developers run amok.
That Firestone is unbelievable.
Just to say that the Firestone developer has bought the parcel next door and is building essentially the same development on that property. The entire street is 1 block/9 houses long and these two developments will add 22 units and who knows how many people and cars to this single street! It’s madness and the City Council is delighted rather than disgusted or concerned!
Danna, thank you for all your insights and knowledge about San Diego’s BoGUS ADU program. It’s people like you that need to teach the rest of us about these problems.
yes, 100. what did jen campbell think was gonna happen? these property bros are completely transactional beings, they will extract anything they can extract and leave nothing but a dessicated corpse husk behind. jeaze jen.
I just went by that beaut on Firestone. It’s the 4th house on the north side of a narrow street. The same developer (remains unnamed) bought the property next to it, and seems to have a little issue with soil. He bought it a while back. It is sitting idle, per the neighbor next to these twin disasters. He may also have the one over by where it meets up with Baxter. This guy I talked with, who’s been at that same location since the 60s, says its been a nightmare. Says the main house rents for 4500/month… 3 br. There are people living there right now. Affordable? Methinks not.
Surprised to find they aren’t leeching off city trash services with a Republic trash bin sitting near the front of the property. IT IS a 12 unit complex, maybe the City doesn’t service those type of egregious properties, even though it’s considered a single family neib
Same owner for both, in fact Firestone owner has over 50 properties they are doing this on in the city of sd! Go Jen
Why let the tasteless developers remain anonymous? How about a wall of shame for those responsible?
We kept the identities of those who offered the entries confidential. Some of the ADU developers revel off their notoriety.
you can find the developers name through public information. You have to check multiple sites. Just don’t give them any notoriety here
tg will pay with his job. Property setbacks in side yards were implemented to limit building fires jumping from building to building. The ADU’S , apparently will have fire walls, but still very scary and invasive situations.
At least that’s what they say. Is there a time where there’s an inspection, and an actual fire test? They buy c h e a p materials from discount suppliers. When you have stick buildings like some of the above examples, catch fire, they are *usually* 5′ from an adjacent building. They can be as close as 17″, and those “ghost property lines” could make some of these buildings as close as 2′ from another building, but the inspector will tell you it’s to the plans, per the parcel lines” (that was the answer to my concern regarding a close-by property)
Perfect conditions for a daisy chain of structure fires, like what will happen at 54th/Baja/Campanile with those steep 14-20% grades going up, since no one gives a hoot about CEQA concerns.
They did add setback requirements back into it, but too late for neighbors of those projects that got in before that change.
I’ve got one to submit but missed the contest. They are building a 1-4 building 8 unit complex (some two stories) on a small lot on a short culdusac without any driveway or space for parking on Fond Du Lac Court behind the post office near Clairemont Square. There are about 6 parking spaces on this Cul Du Sac because the driveways around the loop are too tight to support more. One of the two story buildings overlook the back yard of a home I purchased for my mother to live in at 4015 Fond Du Lac Avenue and robs the space from any privacy from the overlooking unit. Now a days it takes two working tenants to pay rent for a two bedroom. home. Without providing any space for parking for 8 units and 16 bedrooms the overflow with fall to and beyond the short two block of Fond Du Lac Avenue which is already fully utilized. Thank you for raising awareness. Sincerely, Judy Becker
This one was submitted. it’s a disaster in an area, where there is no parking, so what does Jen Campbell allow in her district? Another 8 units without parking, and we all know that no one will take transit, walk or ride a bike, they will all drive. Broken windows gallore!
I’m shocked Jen Campbell is shocked. How is it possible that she is so utterly out of touch with the regulations and what is going on ON HER STREET??? I live on her street and an 8 unit complex just finished up a few blocks from her house. Is she THAT ignorant or just not telling the truth? It’s one or the other (or possibly both.)
Even if she votes against any new disasterous projects that further damage the neighborhoods, there are 8 other council people that will continue to vote for this continued downward spiral to America’s Dysfunctional City.
This rogues’ gallery is a demonstration of the Mayor’s and the City Council’s complete disdain for neighborhoods and the people who live in them. We’re in an election year; we can send a message. Todd Gloria, Stephen Whitburn, and Sean Elo-Rivera are personally responsible for these eyesores and the harm they’ve caused to real people. Let’s remember that when we fill in our ballots.
ELO has an opponent in D9. His name is Terry Hoskins. For those who find these density bombs offensive, I lay it all at the feet of SER. He is hell bent on density, no matter where in his district these bombs end up. He is a renter and does not like homeowners. ELO’s shenanigans, lately are head scratchers that will cost him votes. ELO does not listen to anyone in his district. he’s rather we deal with these developers on our own. He will not get involved, because he doesn’t think there is a problem.
unless he has a large rentier side-hustle, he’s acting against his own interests then. he is helping create a systemic renter and rentier two class structure, where the renters work to support the rentier’s passive incomes.
Neighbors For A Better San Diego are trying! See this
Deb, thanks for the link, but links are too long to stand alone in a comment.
Kate is absolutely right. Whining and complaining about projects that have already been built isn’t going to change them. Lawsuits might but that will take a very long time. We have an election coming up in less than 2 months. Vote against Gloria, Whitburn, Elo-Rivera and the other Gloria minions who are up for re-election. THEY are behind all of this. There are probably many other abominations that are already approved waiting to start. But a new administration might be able to challenge their permit process and put a hold on permits waiting for approval.
It’s our only hope.
GET OUT and VOTE. AND get your friends to the polls too.
Finest city my ass. Get rid of Gloria, Atkins, Ward and Whitburn and others on the city council and then maybe we have a chance to recuperate and start a new.!!!!
I’m a property manager on Fond du Lac. The original duplex homes were all built in 1953, before the post office even existed. Street parking is madness due to multiple cars at each home and the short driveways on which most people cannot park. The city has historically ticketed any vehicle that sticks out over the sidewalk line (most modern cars), despite the fact that Fond du Lac has long been a working class neighborhood. There are many work trucks parked on this street that can’t fit into their driveway or garage. The cul de sac where this development is being built is so small, you must drive there to
believe it. Every time I have driven there, I needed to make a 3 point turn because the radius is too tight if cars are parked on the street (almost always).
To make matters worse there is a three story adu planned next to and across the alley from the ramshackle adu on cliff street.
Hi! I’m the architect of the Prince House @ 2283 Harrison Ave!
My wife + I built this ADU to add another unit to our small 2,500sf lot in Logan Heights. We represent the developer, builder, + we also lived in this ADU for a year before renting it to a young couple.
We previously lived in a 1925 bungalow behind this house which we meticulously renovated (rather than demolishing). Unfortunately in 1985 a much less charming bungalow was built in front of that one. So the Prince House didn’t conceal any of the neighborhood’s beauty.
Contrary to the author’s understanding, the Prince House ADU is a loving effort to preserve a piece of the neighborhood. The mural of Prince was created my Mario Torero (known for his historic paintings in Chicano Park). The Prince mural was slated to be demolished so we decided to purchase, preserve, + display the mural for the neighborhood. The ADU is a museum wall behind the canvas.
The ADU design is very introverted due to the traffic on Harrison Ave. + the 2 driveway parking spaces we choose to create. We believe that whenever possible off street parking should be provided. The front window addresses the flight path while the rear windows have a view to the Coronado Bridge.
Ultimately this project represents a strict modern approach to design, preservation of neighborhood art, + makes a 3rd unit on a substandard lot (while providing 2 parking spaces + a new tree). We are advocates of this neighborhood (still live here in LH) + feel strongly about creating new housing around mass transit + downtown for the benefit of San Diego.
I hope you guys can see the beauty in this one now that you understand the design concept!
Sean Canning, Architect
Sean: Thanks for your explanation.
You’re welcome Dave.
Still, Sean, just lipstick on a pig.
I disagree Vern.
Spot on with your lipstick observation.
As I see it.
Bottom line this unit is a bland, stucco box with windows stickin g out like the proverbial “Sore Thumb.” An aberration in the continuity of the neighborhood.
Didn’t have to be. Could have been designed to fit in to the neighborhood home style. Yes, this would take more work.
Slam dunk Onion Award winner in the residential ADU/Home Category.
There are many details which are missed by the author of this article. One of the photos used is not even a finished construction photo.
This is an ADU added to the fabric of Logan Heights which has an off street parking space, private exterior patio (behind), large glass doors + windows, in-unit washer dryer, + upgraded finishes. Even the stucco is Santa Barbara stucco.
I appreciate your opinion, but we must share different ideas of the future of Logan Heights.
the purpose of the contest was to show the potential of egregiousness of a project in how it goes with the rest of the area. It doesn’t matter if it’s complete or not Use your imagination on it’s potential damage: a 10 unit complex stuffed into a backyard should be enough proof that this type of density bomb doesn’t belong in that area. It belongs in areas where one could drop out of bed and jump on transit, your bike, or be able to walk to a location.
Dave,
I’m not sure if you’re referring to Logan Heights specifically or the Prince House ADU.
I used to walk to my downtown office from this location. Later I moved my office to the Barrio + walked to that office as well. Thw whole neighborhood is within walking distance to mass transit.
Logan Heights is planned as a dense expansion of downtown.
Here is the community plan: https://www.sandiego.gov/sites/default/files/legacy/planning/community/cpu/southeastern/pdf/sesd_community_plan_reduced.pdf
Sean: No, it was the gold and silver winners. They are both 12 unit complexes that are still under construction, and stuffed in backyards. I don’t believe yours is. I have visited a number of these locations, but not yours. I didn’t find issues with your location, as it’s near 28th, and other transit corridors. It’s also in with some other multidwelling units.
Regardless of your architectural vision, you crammed a third residential unit on a 2500/sf lot. The whole lot is covered with building or concrete. Where do the dogs and children play? In the street I guess.
Geoff,
The entire lot was covered in concrete when we purchased it. Today it has pervious paving + as much landscape as we could fit on this small lot. So we have reduced the amount of concrete on this lot.
Well, it is a bit disingenuous to say you reduced the amount of concrete on the lot. You put another building on the lot. And it looks like one with a concrete floor.
Geoff,
We built that ADU on top of a long driveway. This property was a-typically set back from the street.
I hope you are not receiving my responses as arguments. I realize that not everyone will understand all of our projects, but I think this article has left out important context that I am trying to provide.
I understand where it was placed. All I was doing was pointing out that to say you reduced the concrete on this site is really misleading as there is now a whole building where the concrete was and it probably sits on concrete.
I’m glad you provided more information and context. That may well be sufficient for some people but not for others. But, that is what The Rag’s comment section is all about, hearing from all sides. It doesn’t guarantee agreement but provides a place to present an opinion.
Nice try Sean but I watched the funny video you posted, did a Google Maps drive-by of the street and home where your stucco box sits.
Doesn’t compliment the area, Looks more like a prison building than a home. Doubt any other Logan Heights residents would want this monstrosity on their property.
I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again.Slam dunk Onion Award winner in the residential ADU/Home Category.
Al Allen, took a closer look at this (via the interwebs) and yes, just an unimaginative box, though there is a little room staged in such a way that looks like it could be a waiting room at a small veterinary office.
Agree. I was thinking more of a prison building, this would be inprocessing before moving to the cell area.
Regardless, it’s hideous. I feel bad for the neighbors that have to look at it. But there are no development laws on bad taste.
Sean – unlike architecture school, just because you tell people that they should like something because [reasons] doesn’t mean they will, even if they are familiar with the work of Walter Gropius.
And (+) your statement, “The ADU design is very introverted ” translates to “I like this neighborhood, but not THAT much”
J Hughes,
I live in this neighborhood.
Sad, sad, sad and even more sad is Jen Campbell’s reaction of “This isn’t what we wanted to happen” is horribly sad as that is as far as she will take it.
Maybe, she needs to get into her district 3 more often to see the carnage. She is running unopposed, right?
No Campbell is in District 2 and is not running for re-election.
100
No ADU should be allowed to equal or exceed the size of the primary residence.
that might just turn the property bros two phase commit (hit it, then quit it) into a set of two tightly-coupled commits:
1) expand the main house bigly
2) build outsize adu complexes bigger than the original dwelling, but smaller than it is now by 1%
I’m not opposed to 1 or 2 small/modesty sized ADUs behind a home. We truly need the additional housing. But THESE monstrosities are outrageous and should never have been allowed… much less be allowed to continue to be built!! Talk about developers having their way with us!!! They are laughing all the way to the bank!!!
Have the folks at the OB Rag sent this to everyone at the city council, the mayor’s office, Assembly person’s offices, State reps, counties officials, Lt Governor and Governor??? It really is appalling and an affront to all homeowners.
yeah, exactly.
there are some decent projects and then some completely inappropriate and inconsiderate ones done by undead predators, which probably will, in the end, exceed even the guardrails-off permits they were granted, as they try to shoehorn in even more post-approval stealing.
V., thanks for writing, the greed you correctly describe is a big reason we held this contest. We don’t send coverage to elected officials because 1) they get Google News Alerts when these stories appear and 2) they just don’t give a damn. Todd Gloria lives in an alternate universe where he is a popular mayor with a record of outstanding performance. Seriously. He could not withstand the pain of reading critical news reporting. He prefers to read love letters from his cronies, like this tribute from his adoring fans at the BIA:
https://biasandiego.org/thank-you-mayor-gloria-for-permit-now/
Now do one on the streets that have the worst overhead wires and poles. My nominations include Lamar St. in Spring Valley between Bancroft and Vista plus many other streets in this neighborhood on both sides of Bancroft.
This could be a regular column in the OBRag. It is bringing a lot of attention to this crime. San Diego will be so ugly if this continues on this path. Jen should get out and take a drive around her district. Speaking with the folks she represents would be helpful too. Oh, I forgot…she doesn’t want to.
I can see that this is just horrible, and my heart goes out to the neighbors/homeowners/residents who must live with these circumstances. But these photos are so bad that I can hardly tell what I am looking at. And t seems that they can’t be enlarged to make them more viewable.
Donna, I have larger pics if you really want to see them They are just as gross little, as they are big.
I’ve talked with a number of those “directly affected” The stories I could tell. The COSD (City of San Diego) government is basically abandoning homeowners They offer no support as homeowners have to deal with the developers, because they won’t lift a finger. They give us the finger.
I guess 3808 Atascadero didn’t make the cut. Check it out on google street view. 2 ADUs wedged in the back, larger than the main house, sticks out like a billboard to the cross streets. Maybe they should sell ad space on it? No yard, no parking, no sunlight for the neighbors.
Here’s a link to the hilarious google street view from the back, shortened url so link doesn’t blow up your web form: https://tinyurl.com/mufye27
Grotesque comes to mind. On the flat street side put up a massive video screen with good scenery images. hahahaha
Oh… those SD architects… minimalist, a-la cardboard box!
I second Franks description. It’s worth a looksie. I bike over there occasionally. As per our wonderful regime in control, pack and stack. This describes it to a T
A question—
Is San Diego the only city in the county allowing this? Is it being allowed in unincorporated areas of the county?
Building ADUs is a state policy, but no, this Bonus Bogus ADU policy is San Diego-specific, thanks to Mayor Gloria and a subservient council.
the Bogus ADU Program was created by Mike Hansen and Kevin FaulCONer, and Gloria has just enhanced it worse, and has dug in, with his strong mayor nonsense to a subservient city counsel
Hansen basically, eliminated single family zoning, retired, and started his own land use company.
The BAP needs to be eliminated. it is not necessary and is a complete free for all for all developers wanting to stuff apartment buildings amongst single family parcels.
“BAP” = Bonus ADU Program.
So what do we do? What is the point of having City Inspectors on speed dial? Supposedly, the distance between these behemoths and our single family homes has been increased to at least 4 feet, but is that being enforced? Grr.
All we can do is keep these projects from breaking the many rules that they would break otherwise. You know, like view the plans, notice there’s something awry with them, mention it to someone at the DSD who can actually make a decision, other than junior planners (we went all the way up to Gary Geiler). Continually ask questions. They’re going to ruin our neighborhood, they need to follow ALL the rules |
Yes, I actually eyeballed the measurement from this behemoth to my neighbors property line, and it was < 3', but the inspector said, it was 4' from the "parcel line"… so either my neighbors fence is over on their property , or there's something else wrong. Can't do anything now. the pile of matchsticks is there, lording over my neighbors entire yard.
I/we cannot stop this, because of the likes of Sean ELO, who, if you're in D9, has an opponent and will be doing a debate soon. His name is Terry Hoskins.
Thank you Dave
I don’t know if they give journalism awards in San Diego , but this series of articles is deserving of recognition IMO. Just a Fabulous idea well executed.
Jan, thanks so much for writing. Just curious: Where are you, and how did you hear about the contest?
Kate, in case Jan Michael didn’t see your comment question, he lives in San Antonio, Texas and has supported the Rag for years with his donations.
This is an excellent illustration of the disastrous end result of the San Diego City Council’s ridiculous decision to lessen the restriction of the State of California law pertaining to Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). The OB Rag staff did fantastic work for this contest, and the public was equally amazing. While reviewing the many submissions, I realized that my District, D9, had the majority of the submissions. There were 16 addresses listed in the article, seven of which were in District 9. If this alone wasn’t enough to tarnish one’s image of the community they love, District 9 took the Silver and Bronze prizes. I would like to publicly thank the Council President for making District 9 stand out among the other Districts. San Diego’s ADU and JADU policies were made less than the state’s required by the Council President’s leadership, and therefore, he has placed the spotlight of San Diego’s worse ADUs on District 9. I hope those of you in District 9 who have to gaze upon these seven monstrosities every day will write a personal “Thank You” message to our beloved Council President, who represents District 9 as our Councilmember for lowering the standard of servant leadership and lack of Espirit-de-Corps for District 9. Again, a big thank you to the staff of the OB Rag!
Terry, I thank him every day, I have to look at this pile of matchsticks, every time I come home from a bike ride.
?
That was intended to be a thumbs up to Dr. Terry Hoskins’ remarks.
We need a new mayor, Gloria caused this. It’s not just residential, down the street from my house a commercial building went up that violates the community plan by almost 4x. Community planning group was not even notified much less consulted. Instead of 2 stories, it is multiple 5 story buildings and a detached multi-story parking garage. Unsurprisingly, sight lines / views were lost and it doesn’t fit the surrounding character or architecture. Rumor is the planning dept said no, Gloria applied pressure to make it a “yes”.
And since that time, the city made community planning groups essentially powerless. This mayor loves power, money, and the developers that give it to him. Screw the people.
Vote him out.
The people running San Diego are ruining this beautiful city. And, at the top of the list is the Mayor. Corruption runs deep and wide. There’s no planning, no through, no safety regulations – just plain greed. What’s the Mayor getting out of all this. He’s the head of this ugly parade.
I understand Gloria is heading for a position in the Harris administration. Someone should give them a heads up. (To be honest, I am completely deflated and don’t have the energy for it.)
The North Park property on 32nd is indeed an eyesore, and you can blame the San Diego Historic Resources Board. Home owners in historic areas are required to make home additions look distinct & separate from the original home. It’s a terrible rule (which, frankly, a lot of us ignore).
Another reason San Diego residents are leaving by the hundreds. I’ve been gone 3+ years and don’t miss it one bit.
Not really helpful.