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ADU Builders Encinitas

The Encinitas ADU Guide

Encinitas, CA, USA

Thinking about an ADU in Encinitas? You’ve found the ultimate resource for building an accessory dwelling unit in Encinitas, California. Whether you’re a homeowner looking to maximize flexibility for family or an investor planning to add units, our comprehensive guide is here to assist you every step of the way. Read on for more on what you can build in Encinitas, rent rates, and to see completed & active projects we are building in Encinitas. You can also access detailed ADU cost & floor plan information, plus check out homeowner stories.

Encinitas ADU QUICK FACTS

What you can build

Maximum size: 1200 square feet

Side/rear setbacks: 4 feet

Two story: Yes

Permitting timeline

Standard: 4-5 months

Coastal: 4-5 months

Our ADU experience in Encinitas

We have many projects in Encinitas and we know the city’s regulations and processes very well. Encinitas has some of the lowest permitting fees in the area, averaging just $2-4 per square foot of space for ADUs. We are also seeing fewer requirements for minor use permits in the coastal zone. Encinitas has also put out “permit ready” plans (PRADU), which some homeowners have found helpful as a starting place for their ADU designs.

The greatest attribute of Encinitas is that nearly all plan check and building permit fees have been waived for ADUs. Also, while much of Encinitas is located in the coastal zone, ADUs do not require extensive coastal permit requirements, meaning there is little to no added time or cost for coastal.

What about Encinitas Permit Ready Accessory Dwelling Unit (PRADU) Program?

You may have heard about the City of Encinitas having a permit ready ADU program (PRADU). Under the program, the city offers a handful of floor plans that may be used by the public.

However, these plans require property-specific modifications and additional documentation to meet full permitting requirements. While initially seeming cost-effective, pre-approved plans may not offer significant savings due to construction costs and potential design adjustments needed for your specific site. Based on our experience building several PRADU plans, the permitting time for these plans is also not any different than other ADU plans.

For a detailed exploration of using pre-approved ADU plans and their implications, read more about the considerations for using pre-approved ADU plans from cities.

Encinitas ADU Regulations & Permitting Requirements

Want to learn more about what kind of ADU you can build in Encinitas? Check out our in-depth resource guide Encinitas Regulations & Permitting Requirements outlining the ADU building code requirements. We also include what we have learned about how the city will interpret code based on actually designing & building in the city. You can also set up a consult if you want our advice on what you can build.
Encinitas ADU Regulations

How much will an ADU rent for in Encinitas?

Below are median rental prices by zip code and bedroom count. Be sure to run comps for your specific area or check with a realtor.

RENT RATES IN ENCINITAS
ZipCityNeighborhood1BR2BR3BR
92007EncinitasCardiff270036255150
92024EncinitasLeucadia272537754950

Source: Rentometer March 2024

Zip Codes: 92007, 92024, 92075

Neighborhoods: Cardiff, Leucadia, Olivenhain

ADU Builders Encinitas

Full Accountability. ADU Expertise. Proven Results.

Our own team is responsible for delivering on our promises, from the first time you contact us to the time we hand you the keys to your new ADU home.

As experienced ADU builders, we will anticipate the pitfalls that less seasoned or less integrated teams will miss. And the volume of ADU jobs we handle means we have gained an incredible amount of expertise that we are excited to bring to your project.

We’re 100% focused on being the best ADU builders in Encinitas.