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How ADUs Are Reshaping Affordable Housing in California with Jonathan Mitchell

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Manage episode 494269180 series 2848645
Content provided by Yonah Weiss. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Yonah Weiss or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://ppacc.player.fm/legal.

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How can rethinking local zoning laws turn small residential lots into high-yield, multi-unit housing solutions?

In this episode, Jonathan Mitchell, founder of ADU Pals, a real estate developer specializing in scalable, affordable housing solutions in San Diego, shares his journey from growing up in Section 8 housing to launching a solar company and ultimately becoming a real estate developer focused on Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). He breaks down how ADUs in San Diego have evolved from simple backyard structures to fully stacked multi-unit developments, and why that matters in a city with soaring housing costs. They discuss how city policy, construction know-how, and personal mission converge in Jonathan’s work, and what it takes to build profitably and responsibly in California.

[00:01 - 06:24] Origins and Intentions

  • How growing up on welfare in San Diego shaped his views on housing
  • Why personal definition of success centers on using time wisely
  • The significance of being a positive influence on future generations

[06:25 - 12:43] From Solar to Structures

  • How bootstrapping a solar company led to licenses in contracting
  • Why learning on the job taught him about scaling and finance
  • The importance of understanding margins over revenue

[12:44 - 18:19] Redefining the ADU Model

  • Why San Diego allows stacked ADUs that resemble multifamily buildings
  • How zoning bonuses are tied to affordability through AMI
  • The need to balance profit with policy in high-demand regions

[18:20 - 24:00] Strategy, Risk, and Process

  • How they rehab properties, develop in-house, and lease while building
  • The importance of understanding entitlements, density, and financing
  • What the “triple play” model means for equity, cash flow, and debt

[24:01 - 31:54] Challenges, Culture, and Perspective

  • The significance of understanding local policy shifts
  • How bad actors in the space affected legislation
  • Why consulting with experienced developers mitigates risk

Connect with Jonathan:

Website: www.adupals.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-mitchell-a1493410b

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonathanmitchellre/

LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW by clicking this link.

WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE?

Be sure to follow me on the below platforms:

Subscribe to the podcast on Apple, Spotify, Google, or Stitcher.

LinkedIn

Youtube

Exclusive Facebook Group

www.yonahweiss.com

None of this could be possible without the awesome team at Buzzsprout. They make it easy to get your show listed on every major podcast platform.

Tweetable Quotes:

“I don’t want to waste time, man. I want to utilize the time that God has given me to be a light, to be productive.” - Jonathan Mitchell

“You can build a 10-unit property under o

Support the show

  continue reading

446 episodes

Artwork
iconShare
 
Manage episode 494269180 series 2848645
Content provided by Yonah Weiss. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Yonah Weiss or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://ppacc.player.fm/legal.

Send us a text

How can rethinking local zoning laws turn small residential lots into high-yield, multi-unit housing solutions?

In this episode, Jonathan Mitchell, founder of ADU Pals, a real estate developer specializing in scalable, affordable housing solutions in San Diego, shares his journey from growing up in Section 8 housing to launching a solar company and ultimately becoming a real estate developer focused on Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). He breaks down how ADUs in San Diego have evolved from simple backyard structures to fully stacked multi-unit developments, and why that matters in a city with soaring housing costs. They discuss how city policy, construction know-how, and personal mission converge in Jonathan’s work, and what it takes to build profitably and responsibly in California.

[00:01 - 06:24] Origins and Intentions

  • How growing up on welfare in San Diego shaped his views on housing
  • Why personal definition of success centers on using time wisely
  • The significance of being a positive influence on future generations

[06:25 - 12:43] From Solar to Structures

  • How bootstrapping a solar company led to licenses in contracting
  • Why learning on the job taught him about scaling and finance
  • The importance of understanding margins over revenue

[12:44 - 18:19] Redefining the ADU Model

  • Why San Diego allows stacked ADUs that resemble multifamily buildings
  • How zoning bonuses are tied to affordability through AMI
  • The need to balance profit with policy in high-demand regions

[18:20 - 24:00] Strategy, Risk, and Process

  • How they rehab properties, develop in-house, and lease while building
  • The importance of understanding entitlements, density, and financing
  • What the “triple play” model means for equity, cash flow, and debt

[24:01 - 31:54] Challenges, Culture, and Perspective

  • The significance of understanding local policy shifts
  • How bad actors in the space affected legislation
  • Why consulting with experienced developers mitigates risk

Connect with Jonathan:

Website: www.adupals.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-mitchell-a1493410b

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonathanmitchellre/

LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW by clicking this link.

WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE?

Be sure to follow me on the below platforms:

Subscribe to the podcast on Apple, Spotify, Google, or Stitcher.

LinkedIn

Youtube

Exclusive Facebook Group

www.yonahweiss.com

None of this could be possible without the awesome team at Buzzsprout. They make it easy to get your show listed on every major podcast platform.

Tweetable Quotes:

“I don’t want to waste time, man. I want to utilize the time that God has given me to be a light, to be productive.” - Jonathan Mitchell

“You can build a 10-unit property under o

Support the show

  continue reading

446 episodes

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