Custom 2 Bedroom ADU for Rental Income in Encinitas
Hygeia Avenue, Encinitas, CA 92024
Homeowner Story: Generate rental income
Special Circumstance: HOA, Coastal Zone
This Encinitas ADU is envisioned as a smart, income-producing addition designed to support long-term rental use. The homeowner was interested in creating a compact, well-designed unit that could generate rental income while fitting seamlessly within the existing property. To bring this vision to life, she partnered with SnapADU for guidance through the design and planning process.
The proposed design is envisioned as a single-story 672 sq ft ADU featuring two bedrooms and one bathroom, arranged in a long, efficient floor plan. The one-story layout is intended to maximize functionality, privacy, and ease of living, making the space attractive and practical for future tenants.
Located within the coastal zone, connected to sewer, and subject to HOA review, the property requires careful coordination during planning and permitting in the City of Encinitas. Early planning focuses on navigating coastal and HOA requirements while delivering a design that balances efficiency, comfort, and rental appeal.
Overall, this ADU is envisioned as a thoughtfully planned rental unit that enhances property value while providing a high-quality living space well suited to the Encinitas market.
Floor Plan:
2BR/1BA 32×21 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.
