ADU Builders San Diego
The San Diego ADU Guide
San Diego, CA, USA
You’ve found the ultimate resource for building an accessory dwelling unit 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. 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 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: 4-6 months
Coastal: 5-8 months
Our ADU experience in San Diego
SnapADU has built and is in the process of building dozens of ADU projects within the City of San Diego. As such, we know the city’s regulations and processes very well. Turnaround times at the city are improving, with permitting taking 4-6 months in most cases (down from 8-10 months a year ago).
Of note, San Diego promotes the building of more ADUs through the affordable ADU bonus program. Some of San Diego is in the coastal zone, which will add additional time and cost to the permitting process.
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.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 | Neighborhood | 1BR | 2BR | 3BR |
92102 | Golden Hill | $1,595 | $3,215 | $3,595 |
92105 | City Heights | $1,600 | $2,595 | $3,495 |
92111 | Linda Vista | $2,100 | $2,600 | $3,200 |
92113 | Logan Heights | $1,540 | $2,755 | $2,900 |
92115 | College Grove | $1,625 | $2,600 | $3,400 |
92116 | Normal Heights | $1,725 | $2,995 | $3,400 |
92117 | Clairemont | $2,200 | $2,850 | $3,200 |
92119 | San Carlos | $1,890 | $2,400 | $2,795 |
92126 | Mira Mesa | $1,875 | $2,680 | $3,195 |
92128 | Rancho Bernardo | $1,695 | $2,475 | $3,195 |
92129 | Rancho Bernardo | $2,000 | $2,395 | $3,195 |
92130 | Carmel Valley | $2,665 | $3,405 | $4,000 |
92131 | Scripps Ranch | $1,920 | $2,744 | $3,200 |
Source: Rentometer Nov 2022
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