Creating an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) for your San Diego property can be a smart investment. Whether you are going to build a rental unit, a guest house, or simply a living space for your family, ADUs offer flexibility and long-term value to your property in San Diego. But before you commence the procedures, one significant step comes up between you and your future ADU: how to get an ADU permit in San Diego?
This permit process can be cumbersome if you are not sufficiently familiar with the local zoning laws and building codes. In this blog, we have outlined the key factors you need to know before applying for your ADU permit in San Diego so that you can start your project with confidence and avoid possible setbacks.
| Table of Content |
| 1. What Is an ADU and Why Is a Permit Important? |
| 2. Types of ADUs in San Diego |
| 3. ADU Permit San Diego: Key Requirements to Know |
| 4. Permit Process: Step-by-Step |
| 5. Common Mistakes to Avoid |
| 6. How Long Does It Take to Get an ADU Permit in San Diego? |
| 7. Permit Fees and Costs |
| 8. Need Help with Your ADU Permit in San Diego? |
| 9. Final Thoughts |
What is an ADU and Why is a Permit Important?
What: An ADU is a small residential unit that can be attached or detached from the main residential area. This is a type of expansion in the same residential lot where residents can satisfy their basic living standards. It can be a 1200 square feet attached or separated structure, a garage in fact, sometimes a unit above a garage.
Why: An ADU permit is required to ensure that your ADU is built to code, complies with safety measures, and justifies the local zoning issues. With no permit, you may have to face serious legal issues, major delays, or even forced demolition sometimes.
Types of ADUs in San Diego
Before starting with the permit process, first understand the type of ADU you plan to build.
- Associated or Attached ADU: This is a kind of expansion associated or connected with your main house.
- Detached ADU: A detached ADU is a separated or isolated type of ADU in the backyard.
- Garage Conversion ADU: This is a conversion of a garage into a living space.
- Junior ADU: This a a type of smaller unit (max. 500 feet) designed within the main home.
Note: Each type has its own limitations and permit requirements.
ADU Permit San Diego: Key Requirements to Know
Here are some guidelines you should be aware of before applying for an ADU permit in San Diego.
Zone Regulations
- First and foremost, your property should be zoned to allow ADUs. Most of the San Diego residential zones allow at least one ADU but make sure to check with the city’s Planning Department to confirm your eligibility.
Comply with Size Limits: Check for size limits for the various types of ADUs.
The attached ADU can be half of the main house i.e 50% of the main property.
Detached ADU can be 1200 square feet or less.
Junior ADU cannot exceed 500 square feet in size
Setbacks
- Normally, a four-square-foot setback is required from the rear and side property lines. That may also vary by zone in the case of front yards.
Parking Essentials: In so many areas, additional parking is not available if:
The ADU is within half a mile of a public area.
The property is a historic region or district
It's a part of a garage conversion into living space.
Height Restrictions or Limitations
- Detached ADUs can have a maximum height of 16 feet and sometimes 18 feet in some specific regions, whereas attached ADUs can reach a height of up to 25 feet.
Permit Process: Step-by-Step
Let's have a glance at how to obtain an ADU permit in San Diego, California:
Step 1: Site Assessment
Verify your property zone and setbacks.
Step 2: Get Your ADU Designed by a Designer
Connect with an architect and get your detailed design ready.
Step 3: Upload Your Plan & Pay Application Fee
Upload your plan to the “Online Permitting System” and pay the application fee.
Step 4: Be prepared for Property Review by City Staff
Be ready for the city staff visit for the property review.
Step 5: Receive Your Permit
Once approved, you will get your building’s ADU permit, and then you can initiate construction work on the site.
Step 6: Stay Active for Inspection During Construction Work
Be ready for the city staff inspections for the sake of code compliance during the construction work.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Preserving yourself from some common mistakes can make a remarkable impression on your overall permit processing journey. Let’s take a look at some common blunders to avoid and experience a smooth journey.
Submission of incomplete plans or inaccurate details that result in a thorny pathway.
Ignorance of zone regulations and setbacks that become a major issue of your processing time.
Failure to make an account for utility connections.
Forgetting a professional designer or consultant for designing concerns.
Avoiding the above common errors can help you preserve your time, money, and unnecessary stress.
How long does it normally take to get an ADU Permit in San Diego?
Getting an ADU permit in San Diego completely depends on the complexity level of your project. A project surpasses a significant step at each and every level from the start to the end. Moreover, it also has an important effect on your initial submissions, such as planning and preparations.
Simple garage conversions may take 4–8 weeks, whereas newly detached ADUs generally take 2-3 months or even sometimes longer.
On the positive side, a pre-approved ADU plan with the guidance of a permit expert can reduce your processing time significantly.
How much does it cost to obtain an ADU Permit in San Diego?
When preparing for an ADU project, it is crucial to pre-project or visualize the permit fees and recurring costs beforehand. These fee projections also help you comply with the rules and regulations of local building codes and development standards.
Let us dive into knowing about the typical fees involved in applying ADU permit San Diego:
Plan Check & Application Fee
- This is the first and foremost step for the ADU permit process. This fee involves the application review on the basis of your submitted plans.
- Cost Range: $1000 - $2500
School Impact Fee
- If your ADU exceeds 750 square feet, then it’s a mandate for you to pay the school impact fee. This impact fee is used for the improvement of local school district infrastructure. These charges are mandatory for ADUs larger than 750 square feet.
- Cost Estimation: Approx. $3.50 - $ 4.50 per square foot.
Site Inspections Fee
- During the construction process, the city inspectors conduct inspections in the various stages of building in order to ensure your ADU is complying with all the safety and structural requirements.
- Cost Range: $500 - $1000+, depending on the number of visits or inspections they made.
Utility Connections Fee
- This type of cost can be a part of detached ADUs in most cases. In this case, you have to take new connections for electricity, gas pipeline, and water supply. You may also require utility meters or separate lines.
- On the contrary, converted ADUs and attached ADUs often use existing connections instead of new ones in order to lower the overall costs.
- Cost Range: $500 - $2000, it may also vary according to the expenditure of the ADU.
Total Cost
- Aggregating all these costs will result in approximately $3000 - $8000.
Seeking Help for your ADU Permit in San Diego?
If you find navigating permits and plans difficult or overwhelming, then you are not alone in this. At Fortune ADU, we specialize in making your entire process smooth and convenient from feasibility to final approvals.
Whether you are planning for family or rental income, we are here to cater to you with:
Speedy & Convenient Process
100% code compliance
Time Saving & Money
Final Thoughts
Getting your ADU permit is not just a formality but a vital step to make your ADU legal, safe, and efficient. Understanding the complete process and making yourself ready with all the prerequisites can help you avoid all unnecessary stress and headaches. Therefore, get in touch with the top ADU Permit company in San Diego and cut through the red zone, and hence bring your ADU formally and legally.
