The OB Rag announced the top 3 winners of their “Worst ADU (accessory dwelling unit)” contest, a tongue-in-cheek event meant to raise awareness about what critics deem predatory construction.
While it is legal for homeowners to construct an ADU on their property in San Diego County, some residents argue that these units sacrifice the comfort and aesthetics of neighborhoods.
“I don’t think most people want big ADUs,” said Rag reporter Kate Callen. “I mean the whole, the whole point of the granny flat was maybe a bungalow in your backyard where your elderly mother could live, or where your adult child could live. This (contest) is about what are essentially apartment buildings, and in some cases, mansionettes.”
Residents emailed OB Rag over 50 ADU’s from 20 different neighborhoods. The outlet has a panel of experts who judged the units on size, aesthetics, and neighborhood impacts.
The gold went to a large ADU in the Bay Ho area, which the judges called a “monstrosity.” The ADU crammed 14 units into a single lot, and the judges claimed that the developer is a “notorious neighborhood raider” who threatens nearby residents with lawsuits.
To see the silver and bronze winners — plus a long list of “dishonorable mentions” — readers can head to the OB rag’s website.