Build a San Diego ADU With Confidence
San Diego has become a leader in ADU construction, permitting over 5,700 new units in recent years. With strong city support, streamlined approvals, and expanding incentive programs, homeowners across San Diego are turning to ADUs as a smart way to add space and value.
Why Build an ADU in San Diego?
Building a San Diego accessory dwelling unit offers flexibility and long-term benefits. You can create a rental unit for extra income, house family members, or both. The City’s ADU Bonus Program allows more units on qualifying lots when affordability standards are met. As property values rise and housing demand grows, ADUs continue to be a practical investment.
San Diego ADU Regulations & Incentives
San Diego ADU regulations are designed to encourage development while ensuring projects align with neighborhood zoning.
Homeowners in many areas can build:
- One ADU and one Junior ADU (JADU) by right
- Multiple ADUs under the City’s bonus program for lots zoned multifamily
- Detached units up to 1,200 square feet
The City also recently updated its parking requirements, waiving them for ADUs within half a mile of transit. ADU permits in San Diego typically take 60–120 days, though plan quality and site complexity can affect timing.
San Diego has also removed minimum lot size requirements for ADUs and adopted a pre-approved plan program to speed up construction.
ADORE Homes: Your Partner for ADU Construction in San Diego
As a San Diego ADU builder, ADORE Homes streamlines the process with local expertise and a prefab approach that saves time and cost across the county. We are also very familiar with San Diego’s requirements and incentives.
San Diego’s incentives include:
- Expedited plan reviews for pre-approved designs
- Density bonuses for affordable ADUs*
- Waived impact fees for ADUs under 750 square feet
*Capped at four, five, or six, depending on lot size
As a granny flat builder in San Diego, we help you take full advantage of these policies to build faster and smarter.
How We Design and Build ADUs
We manage the entire ADU construction process in San Diego from start to finish:
- Site evaluation and feasibility review
- Custom or pre-approved design selection
- Permit preparation and submission
- Off-site prefab construction
- On-site installation and final inspections
Our process minimizes disruption, speeds up the timeline, and ensures your ADU meets both city requirements and your goals.
Transform Your San Diego Property With an ADU
Reach out to ADORE Homes for a seamless, start-to-finish building experience. Our team is ready to help with a free consultation and site evaluation anywhere in San Diego County.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not always. San Diego waives parking requirements for ADUs that are:
- Smaller than 500 square feet
- Located in a historic district
- Located in a residential permit parking district
- Attached to the main residence
- Located within half a mile of public transit
Typically, ADU permits in San Diego are issued within 7 months, depending on the project’s complexity and completeness of plans.
Yes, under San Diego’s ADU Bonus Program, some lots may qualify for multiple units if affordability requirements are met.
Most residential lots across San Diego County are eligible, including areas like University Heights, Mira Mesa, and Spring Valley.