The Poway ADU Guide

Our ADU experience in Poway

SnapADU has permitted numerous projects within the city, and we know the city’s regulations and processes very well. Turnaround times at the city are moderate. You can also build up to a 1,500 sqft unit, subject to being not more than half the size of the primary residence, and also subject to required fire sprinklers when >1,200 sqft.

The City of Poway, unlike many other jurisdictions, is strict in its requirement for architectural consistency between the ADU and the primary structure – in other words, the ADU siding, roof & trim must be consistent with the main residence. They will also require a floor plan of the existing residence to confirm there is not an existing attached accessory dwelling unit. Clients should anticipate regular permit fees, as plan check, building permit, and impact fees are not waived for ADUs >750 sqft (impact fees will be proportional to the size of the primary dwelling). Poway requires in-person submissions and soils reports, which do add some processing time and expense.

Poway ADU Regulations & Permitting Requirements

Want to learn more about what kind of ADU you can build in Poway? Check out our in-depth resource guide Poway 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.