ADU Service Areas

We pass ADU quote requests to independent contractors who work in the cities below. Each city sets its own ADU rules and fees, so the right answers for your project depend on where your property sits. A San Diego mailing address does not always mean the City of San Diego is in charge of your permit, so check with your city before you start.

Main service areas

San Diego. The City requires a building permit for every ADU and JADU, and preapproved plans get a 30-day review [1].
Chula Vista. Building permits there carry development impact fees on top of permit fees [2].
Escondido. The City offers four pre-approved plans for new detached ADUs that the public can download [3].

More areas

We also take requests from these places. Local guides for them are on the way.

Encinitas
Oceanside
El Cajon
North Park
Clairemont

Don't see your city? Choose "Other" on the quote request form and tell us where your property is.

Before you request a quote

Find out which city or agency issues permits for your address.
Check whether your lot is in a coastal zone or a fire hazard area.
Have a rough idea of the ADU type and size you want.
Think about your goal, such as rental income, room for family, or a home office.

Our How It Works page explains what happens next. A referral is not an endorsement, so check any contractor yourself before you sign.

We're a referral service, not a contractor, and independent contractors may pay us for referrals.

Sources

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
City of Chula Vista, "Permit Fee Costs," no date shown. Fetched 2026-11-11. https://www.chulavistaca.gov/departments/development-services/how-much-will-your-permit-cost
City of Escondido, "Pre-Approved ADU Program (PAADU)," no date shown. Fetched 2026-11-11. https://www.escondido.gov/1207