Explore ADU Floor Plans
See our versatile Adu Floor Plan, designed to meet the needs of your diverse lifestyle-for the income of furious fare, for guest housing, or for a multi-generation life. Each layout has been thoughtfully designed to maximize location, functionality and modern comfort. From small studios to huge two-bedroom units, you will find suitable smart designs for both small and big homes. Browse options that follow the Building Code of California and local zoning rules. With flexible adaptation, you can turn your imagination into reality. Today, find the perfect ADU plan according to your lifestyle.
Why Choose San Diego’s Leading ADU Permit Company?
As the top ADU permit consultants in San Diego, we combine deep city code knowledge with hands-on architectural, engineering, and project management experience. Our team is fully versed in the 2025 San Diego and California ADU rules, including new permit caps, bonus program changes, and legal sale provisions. With end-to-end project support from the first site visit to final city sign-off, we keep your build fast and free from setbacks.
- Certified ADU permit specialists (local to San Diego)
- Hundreds of successful permits, with client testimonials to match
- Transparent, predictable pricing and timeline upfront
- Expert guidance on the city’s Standard Plan Program and fee waivers
- 2025 code compliance guaranteed for safety and investment security
What Is an ADU Permit & Why Do You Need One?
An ADU permit is San Diego’s formal approval allowing you to build or convert a structure into a legal Accessory Dwelling Unit. Without permits, property owners face severe fines, forced demolition, uninsurable losses, and blocked rentals.
Types of ADUs Allowed in San Diego
- Detached ADU: A separate building on your lot
- Attached ADU: Physically connected to your main home
- JADU (Junior ADU): Up to 500 sq. ft. within your house
- Garage/Basement Conversion: Making existing space livable
- ADUs on Multifamily Lots: More units are possible under new laws.
2025 San Diego ADU Law Updates & Expansion
In 2025, San Diego continues to be at the forefront of ADU-friendly regulation, but significant changes this year may impact homeowners’ plans. New reforms clarify unit caps, affordability measures, permit streamlining, and property size requirements, and consolidate the timeline for state and city code adjustments.
Maximum ADUs per Lot & Bonus Program Changes
- Under 8,000 sq. ft.: Up to 4 total units (including ADUs/JADUs)
- 8,001–10,000 sq. ft.: Up to 5 units
- Over 10,000 sq. ft.: Up to 6 units
Coastal, Multifamily, and Historic District Provisions
Special permitting timelines exist for coastal properties, often adding two additional months to the review cycle for Coastal Development Permits. Multifamily buildings can now legally add up to eight detached ADUs, provided all other requirements are met, and unpermitted ADUs built before 2020 benefit from a streamlined path to legalization in 2025. In designated historic districts, additional reviews and design adaptations may be required, resulting in higher fees and longer processing times. If your site is in a fire hazard or historic overlay, our consultants ensure compliance from the earliest feasibility study.
Streamlined Permitting & New Owner-Occupancy Rules
One of the most homeowner-friendly changes in 2025 is the permanent elimination of owner-occupancy requirements for most ADUs—meaning any property owner can add an ADU strictly for investment, family use, or rental purposes. New state-mandated timeframes require local agencies to review and issue decisions on ADU applications within 60 days of receiving all required materials. For projects using city Standard Plans or express-track routes, this can mean approval in as little as 2–4 weeks for straightforward builds.
Financing, Resale & Tax Implications of ADUs
- In some cases, building a legal ADU can raise property value by 20–30%, especially where the option to sell ADUs separately improves liquidity and exit strategy flexibility.
- For rental properties, approved ADUs may be used for short-term or long-term rentals, but it is essential to review city rules on minimum lease terms for compliance.
Complete ADU Permit Solutions: From Site Analysis to Final Approval
How We Ensure Fast Approvals & Full Legal Compliance
- Direct City Liaison: We work daily with San Diego’s Development Services Department to move your application up the queue
- Pre-Submission Code Review: Eliminate violations before you apply
- Proactive Updates: All plans aligned to July 2025 rule changes and grandfathering
- Standard Plan Use: Leverage San Diego’s pre-approved ADU designs for the quickest possible review.
Current ADU Permit Costs in San Diego (2025)
| ADU Size (sq. ft.) | City Plan Check | Permit Fee | Utility Fees | Impact/School | Total Cost Range |
| 400 (JADU) | ~$1,500 | ~$1,000 | ~$2,000 | Exempt | $4,000–$6,500 |
| 750 (det/att) | ~$2,500 | ~$3,200 | ~$4,100 | $3,900 | ~$11,700 |
| 1,200 (max det.) | ~$7,500 | ~$7,800 | ~$4,100 | $3,900 | ~$21,000 |
How to Save on ADU Fees & Leverage Waivers
- Standard Plans Accelerate Approval: The city’s pre-approved designs reduce design and plan check fees
- SB 13 Fee Waivers: Smaller units (≤750 sq. ft.) are exempt from development impact fees
- School Fees: Only for 500+ sq. ft. ADUs
- Special City & State Incentives: Ask about grants or financing for affordable ADUs (as available)
Avoid Costly ADU Code Violations in San Diego
- Identify and correct non-compliance (size, setbacks, parking)
- Submit resubmissions or variances if needed
- Coordinate electrical, plumbing, and fire-safety upgrades for final clearance
- Handle special cases in historic neighborhoods or fire zones.
Special Considerations for Historic Districts & Fire Zones
- Historic Review: ADUs in historic zones face extra review, requiring sensitive design and often higher fees
- Fire Zones: Additional build requirements and materials may apply, impacting total cost and speed.
ADU Design, Construction & Permit Trends in 2025
- Standard Plan Surge: Pre-approved designs from San Diego City are the fastest track to permit in 2025.
- AB1033: Brand new (July 2025) rules enable certain ADUs to be sold as separate condos if both city and HOA allow—a potential game changer for equity and financing.
- Bonus Program Caps: New city caps on bonus units—especially relevant for multifamily lots.
- Energy Codes: All projects must meet the latest CalGreen and Title 24 efficiency standards.
Benefits of Working with a Professional ADU Permit Service
Your San Diego ADU Permit Timeline & What to Expect
- Initial Planning & Design: 2–4 weeks (faster if using Standard Plan)
- City Plan Review: 6–12 weeks (delays possible in mid/late 2025 after code changes)
- Corrections & Final Approval: 2–6 weeks
- Construction Start: As soon as permits clear
ADU Sustainability, Accessibility & Energy Codes (2025)
Planning Your ADU: Free Checklists & Personalized Service
Start Your ADU Project in San Diego Now!
Service Areas: We Cover All of San Diego County
Downtown
La Mesa
Chula Vista
Frequently Asked Questions: San Diego ADU Permits (2025)
How much does an ADU permit cost in San Diego in 2025?
Most permit packages run $6,500–$21,000, with lowest fees for small, code-compliant units.
Is it faster to use a San Diego Standard Plan?
Can I convert a garage to an ADU without a permit?
No. All conversions require city permits and legal inspections.
How long does it take in 2025 to get an ADU permit?
What are the new rules for selling ADUs (AB1033)?
As of July 2025, permitted ADUs can be condo-mapped and sold separately (with city/HOA approval).
Are there limits on the number of ADUs per lot?
Some caps apply for bonus/multifamily ADUs—contact us for the latest information.
Are JADUs easier and cheaper to permit?
Is my property eligible for a new ADU after July 2025?
Changes in state/city law may restrict eligibility—reach out for a free site check and up-to-the-minute code review.
