Custom 2 Bedroom ADU for Rental Income in Carlsbad
Highland Drive, Carlsbad, CA 92008
Homeowner Story: Generate rental income
Other Features: Deck
Special Circumstance: Coastal Zone
This custom 2 bedroom 2 bathroom ADU in Carlsbad was designed to feel like a natural extension of the main home. Clad in dark gray stucco with a matching shingle roof, the exterior was carefully selected to mirror the primary residence and create a cohesive, polished look across the property.
The slightly L-shaped floor plan smartly separates the two bedrooms, giving each its own ensuite bathroom and a greater sense of privacy which is ideal for long-term renters. A new privacy fence defines the ADU’s outdoor space and creates a clear separation from the main house, while a rear deck with modern wire railing adds both usable outdoor space and a contemporary design touch.
Built on a raised foundation to accommodate the sloped lot, this project is a great example of how thoughtful planning and engineering can unlock challenging sites without sacrificing livability. The result is a high-quality rental unit that feels intentional, private, and fully integrated into the property.
Floor Plan:
2BR/2BA 45×26 L-Shape
Community:
The Carlsbad ADU Guide
Several SnapADU team members live in Carlsbad, and we know the city’s regulations and processes very well. Turnaround times at the city are moderate. Carlsbad requires in-person submissions as well as soils reports (>750sqft), both of which do add some processing time and expense. Also, some of Carlsbad is in the coastal zone and minor use permits are required in those areas.
What about Carlsbad’s Accessory Dwelling Unit Permit Ready Program?
You may have heard about the City of Carlsbad’s permit ready ADU program. Under the program, the city offers a handful of floor plans that may be used by the public.
However, these plans require property-specific modifications and additional documentation to meet full permitting requirements. While initially seeming cost-effective, pre-approved plans may not offer significant savings due to construction costs and potential design adjustments needed for your specific site. To our knowledge, the permitting time for these plans is also not any different than other ADU plans.
For a detailed exploration of using pre-approved ADU plans and their implications, read more about the considerations for using pre-approved ADU plans from cities.
