Comfortable 2 Bedroom ADU Rental in Encinitas
Lone Jack Road, Encinitas, CA 92024
Homeowner Story: Generate rental income
This Encinitas ADU is planned as a well-designed addition intended to support long-term rental use. The homeowner is focused on creating a high-quality, efficient unit that fits seamlessly within the existing property and surrounding neighborhood. To bring this vision to life, they partnered with SnapADU for guidance through the design and planning process.
The proposed design includes a single-story 748 sq ft ADU featuring two bedrooms and two bathrooms, arranged in a long, efficient floor plan. The layout prioritizes functionality, privacy, and ease of living, making it well-suited for a wide range of tenants while maximizing the use of available space.
Located outside the coastal zone and connected to sewer, the property is positioned for a straightforward permitting process within the City of Encinitas. Early planning focuses on site layout, building placement, and design efficiency to support long-term rental use and smooth project execution.
Overall, this ADU is planned as a well-designed rental unit that enhances property value while providing modern, functional living space in the Encinitas market.
Floor Plan:
2BR/2BA 44×17 Long
Community:
The Encinitas ADU Guide
With more than 20 ADU projects completed or in progress throughout Encinitas, we’ve seen firsthand how the city’s regulations and permitting processes compare to other jurisdictions throughout San Diego County.
More than half of our Encinitas projects have been located within the Coastal Zone. Unlike some coastal jurisdictions, Encinitas ADU projects generally experience little to no additional time or cost associated with coastal permitting. Because the City’s Local Coastal Program has been updated to align with California ADU laws, most homeowners find the coastal review process to be relatively straightforward. Learn more about building an ADU in the Coastal Zone.
We’ve also worked on a wide variety of project types throughout Encinitas, including septic properties, HOA communities, two-story ADUs, multiunit developments, and custom ADUs for aging parents.
Encinitas ADU Permitting
Most ADU permits in Encinitas are approved within approximately 4 to 5 months after submission. Unlike many coastal jurisdictions, properties within the Coastal Zone generally experience similar permitting timelines because ADUs are largely treated as ministerial approvals under current regulations.
Historically, Encinitas has had some of the lowest ADU permit fees in San Diego County. Permit costs have often averaged approximately $2-4/sqft, though homeowners planning ADUs of 750 square feet or larger should review the City’s updated development impact fee schedule, which takes effect July 20, 2026. ADUs over 750 square feet will have permit fees closer to the $18/sqft mark. Learn more about the new Development Impact Fee Schedule.
Encinitas Permit Ready ADU Program (PRADU)
Encinitas was one of the early adopters of permit-ready ADU plans through its Permit-Ready Accessory Dwelling Unit (PRADU) Program. The program provides homeowners with a collection of pre-approved ADU designs intended to reduce upfront design costs and simplify the permitting process.
The City now offers both its original PRADU plans and private-party preapproved plans through California’s AB1332 preapproval framework. These plans can provide a useful starting point for homeowners seeking a faster and more standardized design process.
However, homeowners should understand that site-specific plans, engineering, and permitting documents are still required. Based on our experience building several PRADU projects, permitting timelines are often similar to traditional ADU plans because every property must still be evaluated for grading, utilities, fire requirements, and other site-specific conditions.
Many homeowners ultimately choose between permit-ready, standard, semi-custom, and fully custom plans based on their goals, budget, and desired level of personalization. Read more about the pros and cons of pre-approved ADUs.
