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San Diego ADU Planner

ADUs in Encinitas

To build an ADU in Encinitas, you can save on City fees: the City waives plan review and inspection fees for ADUs, except required State fees, postage for a coastal permit, and County recording fees for a covenant [1]. Review takes about 15 working days across the City's departments [1].

How the process works

  1. Talk to City staff early. The City suggests consulting planning, engineering, building, and fire staff, plus your water district, which is either the San Dieguito Water District or the Olivenhain Municipal Water District [1].
  2. Gather your submittal. Plans, a stormwater intake form, a housing development tracking form, your grant deed, and a recent preliminary title report [1]. A geotechnical report is needed if the addition or new construction is 500 square feet or more [1].
  3. Apply online through the City's Customer Self-Service portal [1].
  4. Get water, sewer, and school sign-offs. The City emails those forms, and you pay those agencies before the permit is issued [1].

Coastal lots

In the Coastal Zone, a Coastal Development Permit is required for most ADUs, including detached units and conversions of non-habitable space [1]. It adds a posted notice, a public comment period, and possible Coastal Commission appeal time [1].

FAQ

Are ADU permit fees really waived in Encinitas?

Mostly. The City waives plan review and inspection fees for ADUs [1]. You still pay required State fees, postage if a coastal permit is needed, County recording fees for the covenant, and water, sewer, and school agency fees [1].

Can I use Encinitas plans in the City of San Diego?

Yes. The City of San Diego accepts pre-approved ADU plans from the City of Encinitas, along with County and Chula Vista plans [2]. See our pre-approved ADU plans guide.

Nearby

San Diego · Chula Vista · Escondido · All service areas

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Sources

  1. City of Encinitas, "Accessory Dwelling Units," no date shown. Fetched 2026-11-12. https://www.encinitasca.gov/government/departments/development-services/policy-planning-housing/policy-planning/accessory-dwelling-units
  2. City of San Diego Development Services, "Accessory Dwelling Unit/Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit," no date shown. Fetched 2026-11-11. https://www.sandiego.gov/development-services/news-programs/programs/companion-junior-units