San Diego ADU Planner

ADUs in the City of San Diego

The City of San Diego requires a building permit to create any ADU or JADU, and it says there are no exemptions [1]. Plans that use a preapproved design get a 30-day review, and the City accepts preapproved plans from the County of San Diego, Chula Vista, and Encinitas [1][2].

City permit fees

Under the City's August 2026 fee schedule, a detached ADU up to 500 square feet, or an attached ADU or JADU up to 1,100 square feet, starts at $3,512.92 for plan check and $2,228.29 for inspection [3]. Larger units start at $8,085.26 and $8,401.90 [3]. Impact fees and school fees can be added on top [3]. See the ADU cost guide for details, and the rules and permits guide for size and setback rules.

FAQ

Can I use a preapproved ADU plan in San Diego?

Yes. The City accepts preapproved plans from the County of San Diego, the City of Chula Vista, and the City of Encinitas [2]. You license the plan from its provider, and it must meet the codes in effect when you apply. The City reviews applications that use preapproved plans in 30 days [1].

Are ADU impact fees waived in San Diego?

Not in general. The City's fee schedule says development impact fees are charged in all urbanized areas [3]. One exception comes from state law: JADUs of 500 square feet or less are now exempt from impact fees [4].

Nearby

Chula Vista · Escondido · All service areas

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Sources

  1. City of San Diego Development Services, "Information Bulletin 400: Accessory Dwelling Unit/Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit," January 2026. Fetched 2026-11-11. https://www.sandiego.gov/development-services/forms-publications/information-bulletins/400
  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
  3. City of San Diego Development Services, "Information Bulletin 501: Fee Schedule for Construction Permits," August 2026. Fetched 2026-11-11. https://www.sandiego.gov/development-services/forms-publications/information-bulletins/501
  4. City of San Diego Development Services, "Regulatory Updates," no date shown. Fetched 2026-11-11. https://www.sandiego.gov/development-services/regulatory-updates