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

San Diego Projects

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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.
San Diego ADU Regulations

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
ZipNeighborhood1BR2BR3BR
92102Golden Hill$1,595$3,215$3,595
92105City Heights$1,600$2,595$3,495
92111Linda Vista$2,100$2,600$3,200
92113Logan Heights$1,540$2,755$2,900
92115College Grove$1,625$2,600$3,400
92116Normal Heights$1,725$2,995$3,400
92117Clairemont$2,200$2,850$3,200
92119San Carlos$1,890$2,400$2,795
92126Mira Mesa$1,875$2,680$3,195
92128Rancho Bernardo$1,695$2,475$3,195
92129Rancho Bernardo$2,000$2,395$3,195
92130Carmel Valley$2,665$3,405$4,000
92131Scripps 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