ADU - fixSan Diego ADU Guide

San Diego ADU Guide

San Diego ADU Permits & Zoning Checklist

Before you fall in love with a floor plan, make sure your property is eligible for an ADU and understand the basic permitting path.

1. Confirm your property is eligible

  • Check your zoning and whether ADUs are allowed on your lot.
  • Verify setbacks, height limits, and maximum ADU square footage.
  • Make sure there are no HOA or CC&R restrictions that apply.

2. Typical permit steps

  1. Preliminary feasibility review with a designer or builder.
  2. Prepare plans, engineering, and required reports.
  3. Submit to the city or county for plan check.
  4. Respond to comments and resubmit if needed.
  5. Pay permit fees and pull the building permit.

3. Who handles permits: you or the builder?

Some ADU builders offer "permit-ready" packages and handle everything with the city. Others expect you to bring permitted plans. Make sure you know what's included before you sign a contract.

When comparing San Diego ADU builders, ask specifically who will be responsible for design, engineering, and permit submittals.