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ADU Builders San Diego

The City of San Diego ADU Guide

San Diego, CA, USA

You’ve found the ultimate resource for building a granny flat in San Diego, 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.

Also known as accessory dwelling units (ADU), granny flats, casitas, and in-law suites are easier and cheaper to build, with no minimum lot sizes or side and rear setbacks.

Read on for more on what you can build in San Diego, rent rates, and to see completed & active ADU projects we are building in the City of San Diego. You can also access detailed ADU cost & floor plan information, plus check out homeowner stories.

San Diego ADU QUICK FACTS

What you can build

Maximum size: 1200 square feet

Side/rear setbacks: 0 feet (4 feet preferred and for two-story)

Two story: Yes

Permitting timeline

Standard: 3-5 months

Coastal: 5-7 months

San Diego Projects

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Our ADU experience in San Diego

SnapADU is a leader in the San Diego ADU market, with a portfolio that includes dozens of completed and ongoing granny flat projects. Our team’s in-depth knowledge of the city’s ADU regulations and our established relationships with local permitting offices streamline the process for our clients. We’re committed to leveraging our experience to navigate the complexities of each project, from initial design to final construction, ensuring that every ADU we build meets the unique needs of homeowners while complying with local guidelines.

Of note, San Diego promotes the building of more ADUs through the affordable ADU bonus program.

San Diego ADU Regulations & Permitting Requirements

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

How long does it take to get a permit for an ADU in San Diego?

Obtaining a permit for an ADU in the City of San Diego typically takes 3-5 months, thanks to improvements in the city’s review and approval process. This is a significant decrease from the previous average of 8-10 months at the height of their staffing shortage in 2022 and early 2023.

Projects located within the coastal zone or those applying under the Affordable ADU Bonus Program may experience longer timelines due to additional regulatory reviews and requirements. Our team at SnapADU works diligently to anticipate and mitigate these potential delays, ensuring a smooth and timely permitting process for our clients.

How much will an ADU rent for in San Diego?

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 SAN DIEGO
Zip City Neighborhood 1BR 2BR 3BR
92102 San Diego Golden Hill 2225 2800 4325
92103 San Diego Hillcrest 2400 3700 4475
92104 San Diego North Park 2425 3075 3450
92105 San Diego City Heights 1975 2800 3450
92106 San Diego Point Loma 2725 3475 4425
92107 San Diego Ocean Beach 2425 3400 4725
92109 San Diego Pacific Beach 2700 3550 5025
92110 San Diego Old Town 2300 3575 4550
92111 San Diego Linda Vista 2550 3225 4100
92113 San Diego Logan Heights 1900 2525 3200
92114 San Diego Encanto 1900 2450 3025
92115 San Diego College Grove 1900 2725 3750
92116 San Diego Normal Heights 2200 3025 4425
92117 San Diego Clairemont 2200 2875 3750
92119 San Diego San Carlos 2100 2675 3425
92120 San Diego Grantville 1975 2950 3800
92121 San Diego Sorrento Valley 2500 3475 4300
92122 San Diego University City 2475 3375 4700
92123 San Diego Serra Mesa 2550 3325 4250
92124 San Diego Tierrasanta 2275 3150 3975
92126 San Diego Mira Mesa 2400 3050 3925
92127 San Diego Rancho Bernardo 2350 2850 3900
92128 San Diego Rancho Bernardo 2225 2925 3800
92129 San Diego Rancho Bernardo 2025 2900 3800
92130 San Diego Carmel Valley 2775 3725 4125
92131 San Diego Scripps Ranch 2500 3000 4150
92139 San Diego Paradise Hills 2000 2700 3350

Source: Rentometer March 2024

How do I get my USPS address for my ADU in San Diego?

San Diego’s approach to ADU address assignment involves more direct involvement from the homeowner compared to other cities. Read more in our Guide to ADU Addresses.

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Size of unit:

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1200 sq. ft.

Beds:

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Baths:

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Stories:

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ADU Builders in San Diego

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 San Diego.

Zip Codes: 92101, 92102, 92103, 92104, 92105, 92106, 92107, 92108, 92109, 92110, 92111, 92113, 92114, 92115, 92116, 92117, 92119, 92120, 92121, 92123, 92124, 92126, 92127, 92128, 92129, 92130, 92131, 92139, 92140, 92145, 92147

Neighborhoods: Black Mountain Ranch, Carmel Valley, City Heights, Clairemont, College Grove, Encanto, Grantville, Hillcrest, Kearny Mesa, La Jolla, Linda Vista, Logan Heights, Mira Mesa, Mission Valley, Navajo, Normal Heights, North Park, Ocean Beach, Old Town, Pacific Beach, Pacific Highlands Ranch, Paradise Hills, Point Loma, Rancho Bernardo, Rancho Penasquitos, Sabre Springs, Scripps Ranch, Serra Mesa, Sorrento Valley, Tierrasanta, Torrey Hills, University City

  • Bring aging parents closer

    Build an ADU to comfortably bring aging relatives closer.

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  • Create flex space for work/hobby

  • Generate rental income

  • ADU Builders San Diego

  • ADU Builders San Diego

  • ADU Builders San Diego

  • I think it’s really great to have a company that does basically the whole process from start to finish, and it really takes out a lot of the stress that comes with construction.

    Mylinh Arnett
    Homeowner, San Diego
    See the full story & ADU
  • SnapADU’s customer service was amazing. Bob talked to me like I was his own daughter, giving me honest advice on the whole process. I’ve already recommended SnapADU to many people.

    Corey Roan
    Homeowner, San Diego
    See the full story & ADU
  • SnapADU’s project management was incredible. I don’t live in the area, and all I had to do was write the checks – they handled everything from start to finish.

    Malka Nagel
    Homeowner, San Diego
    See the full story & ADU