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ADU Permit San Diego

To understand the ADU permit San Diego, there are several regulations and associated fees that you should know about to help you obtain the necessary approvals for your ADU project.   

If you wish to add an ADU on your property in San Diego, ADU Builders can assist you in understanding local building regulations to ensure you construct an up-to-code ADU.

San Diego ADU Permit Regulations

To obtain ADU permits, there are local regulations specific to your property or neighborhood. Our professionals can ensure your compliance with the current ADU permit requirements in San Diego.

  • Eligible properties: ADUs are permissible on single-family and multifamily lots.
  • Zoning requirements: ADUs are allowed on property in residential zones, and certain zoning requirements such as setbacks, lot coverage, and height restrictions must be met.
  • ADU types: San Diego allows both attached and detached ADUs. Junior ADUs are acceptable within the primary residence.
  • Maximum size: The maximum allowed size for an ADU in San Diego depends on the lot size and other factors. Generally, detached ADUs can range from 800 to 1,200 square feet, while attached ADUs and Junior ADUs can take up to 50% of the floor area of the primary dwelling.
  • Parking: San Diego has specific parking requirements for ADUs. For instance, new ADUs may be excused from providing additional parking, provided they are within a half-mile radius of public transit or in areas with certain parking restrictions.
  • Owner-occupancy: San Diego does not require the property owner to live on-site in either the primary residence or the ADU.
  • Building code compliance: ADUs must comply with the California Building Code, as well as other applicable codes and regulations regarding health, safety, and structural standards.

San Diego ADU Permit Fees

ADU permit fee is the cost incurred when you submit your building plans to your city for permitting. This is required by the city of San Diego building department for both plan review and permitting, to ensure your ADU is safe, legal, and acceptable in your local area.

For an idea of what to expect on fees related to permitting and building your ADU in San Diego, we have simplified them in table format below:

ADU PermitsExample Fees ($) by Size of ADU (sq. ft.)
 Type of FeeFee Rate ($)5008009991200
Plan checkPlan check fees1,413 + 1.7/sq. ft. (>500 sq. ft.)1,4141,8372,2622,602
Coastal development permit16,500    
Historic reviews (45+ years)216 3,0564,0764,892
Impact feesSchool Impact     
Sewer/ water488488488488488
Miscellaneous fees172172172172172
permitsInspection1,450 + 1.1/ sq. ft. (>500 sq. ft.)1,4501,7252,0002,220
TOTAL3,5247,2788,99810,374

ADU Appeal Procedure

If your ADU permit application is rejected, as San Diego ADU builders, we can help you identify any potential issues for the rejection to determine if an appeal is necessary.

In San Diego, the ADU permit appeal procedure may vary slightly depending on the specific environments and local regulations. However, here is a general overview of the steps involved:

  • Prepare an appeal: We prepare a comprehensive written appeal addressing the specific reasons for the permit denial and any relevant documentation, such as revised plans or additional information supporting your case.
  • Submit an appeal: Following the instructions, we submit a complete formal appeal application to the planning board and inform you of the required fees.
  • Attend a hearing: We attend a hearing to present your case to the appeals board and address any questions or concerns they may have.
  • Review: The board reviews your case and makes a decision. The decision may be provided on the same day or communicated later in writing.
  • Follow the outcome: If your appeal is successful, you’ll be granted the ADU permit and can proceed with the construction process. If the appeal is rejected, you may have additional options like resubmitting the application with further modifications or seeking legal advice.

Way To Execute A Beautiful ADU

Add a Beautiful ADU to Your Home

ADU Contractor is here to assist you every step of the way to execute a beautiful ADU tailored to your style and need. Contact us today.

FAQs

It may be possible to request a waiver or variance for limited access requirements, however, it typically requires demonstrating alternative solutions that ensure safety and compliance.

Properties with limited access may require provisions for emergency vehicle access such as widening the driveway, creating turnarounds, or providing adequate space for emergency vehicles to move.

Significant changes to the ADU plan may require additional review and approval review and approval, potentially causing delays.

Building ADUs in a historic district does not automatically affect the historical status of your property. However, you may need to follow some design guidelines to ensure compatibility with the historical character.

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