Craftsman ADU in University Heights
Maryland Street, San Diego, CA
Homeowner Story: Generate rental income
Other Features: Covered porch
Special Circumstance: Historic Home
Video TourCharming Craftsman ADU in University Heights
This Craftsman ADU in University Heights was truly a collaborative effort, blending the homeowner’s vision with SnapADU’s expertise in custom builds. From the start, our client wanted this 899 sqft, 2 bed / 2 bath home to feel like a natural extension of the historic primary residence, and the result is a guest-house-worthy ADU that seamlessly fits the property.
From the covered front entry to the detailed trim work, this craftsman-style ADU showcases an exterior rich in character and curb appeal. Learn more about ADU exteriors in our ultimate guide.
Integrating an ADU with a Historic Home
Building this ADU required extra care and planning due to the property’s historic designation. Our team navigated the Historic Review Committee’s requirements by using custom materials like aluminum-clad wood windows that maintained the home’s period-appropriate look while meeting modern energy standards.
Because the project was built on a sloped lot, we incorporated retaining walls and carefully engineered the foundation to allow for accessible construction. Initially, a driveway was considered, but evolving site conditions led to a pivot toward a landscaped outdoor area off the front porch – an inviting alternative that enhances curb appeal.
The result is a craftsman ADU that not only blends beautifully with the original home but also adds long-term value to the property.
Craftsman Features & Client Vision
To preserve Craftsman character, we incorporated numerous non-standard features:
- Custom exterior doors, stained rather than painted, to add warmth and texture.
- Additional roof lines and side/front gables to echo classic Craftsman architecture.
- 9-foot flat ceilings for a spacious interior feel.
- A generous kitchen pantry for tenant storage, along with a half-bath to meet the client’s layout preferences.
- Detailed interior trim—including window and door casings, baseboards, and hardware—matched to the main house, using photos provided by the homeowner.
- Wainscoting in the half-bath for decorative interest.
- A small front porch with Craftsman pillars, praised by neighbors for its charm.
These details along with the homeowner’s careful selections from Build.com, resulted in an ADU that honors the property’s history while delivering modern livability.
“The SnapADU team was helpful & accommodating with a non-standard plan. They worked with me to make the ADU feel like it was a continuation of the front house (as much as the city planners would let us), so that the ADU basically became something close to getting at a guest house feel, which I wanted.” – Robert D.
Building an ADU in a Historic District
Building an ADU in a historic district is possible, and we’re well versed in making it happen. Under California’s State ADU Law, ADUs can be permitted on properties listed in the California Register of Historical Resources. Local jurisdictions may enforce design or material standards to protect the architectural integrity of the neighborhood, but they must do so in a way that complies with Government Code §65852.2(e). This means cities and counties cannot create barriers that make ADU development unreasonably difficult or expensive.
Most municipalities now offer objective design standards for ADUs in historic zones, allowing for ministerial review as long as the design criteria are met. At SnapADU, we have deep experience working with these standards to help homeowners gain approval efficiently while honoring the look and feel of their historic homes. Read more about building an ADU in a historic district.
Floor Plan:
2BR/2BA 32×30 Square
Community:
The City of San Diego ADU Guide
With more than 70 ADU projects completed or in progress throughout the City of San Diego, we’ve seen firsthand how the city’s regulations create opportunities that are not available in many other jurisdictions.
One of the biggest differentiators is San Diego’s Affordable ADU Bonus Program, which allows qualifying properties to add multiple ADUs when some units are rented at affordable rates. This has made San Diego a leader in ADU development and has opened the door for homeowners and investors to create additional housing beyond what is typically allowed under state law.
In 2025, the city became the first jurisdiction in San Diego County to adopt AB1033, allowing qualifying ADUs to be sold separately from the primary residence. As of June 2026, only the County of San Diego and the City of San Diego have adopted AB1033.
San Diego also offers significant flexibility in the types of ADUs that can be built. The city allows two-story ADUs, ADUs with garages, ADUs with guest quarters, ADUs with rooftop decks, front yard ADUs, and stacked ADUs for multi-unit projects. We’ve worked on all of these project types throughout the city.
Another unique aspect of San Diego is its setback regulations. Many single-story ADUs can be built with 0-foot side and rear setbacks, creating opportunities on properties where space is limited. However, building too close to property lines can trigger additional fire-rating requirements and construction challenges, which is why thoughtful site planning remains critical even when the regulations appear flexible.
San Diego ADU Permitting
Most ADU permits in the City of San Diego are approved within approximately 3 to 5 months after submission, although timelines vary depending on project complexity and city workload.
Compared to many other jurisdictions in San Diego County, the City of San Diego has some of the highest ADU permit fees. Permit costs often range from approximately $26-$28 per square foot, though smaller ADUs under 500 square feet can benefit from reduced fees closer to $14 per square foot. We maintain a detailed breakdown of City of San Diego permit fees, including plan check fees, building permit fees, impact fees, and inspection fees, in our ADU permit fee guide.
Approximately 10% of our City of San Diego projects are located within the Coastal Zone. While coastal properties often raise concerns for homeowners, many ADUs qualify for exemptions from Coastal Development Permit requirements under the City’s updated Local Coastal Program. Learn more about building an ADU in the Coastal Zone.
Working with an experienced ADU builder helps identify potential permitting requirements early and creates a more predictable path through design and permitting.
