Large Two Bedroom ADU Rental in Encinitas
Cole Ranch Road, Encinitas, CA 92024
Homeowner Story: Generate rental income
ADU Video TourThese out-of-state homeowners reached out to SnapADU to help them add a second unit to their rental property in Encinitas, completely remotely. After initially exploring SB9, they ultimately determined a detached ADU would best meet their needs. The project involved abandoning the existing septic system and establishing a new sewer connection to serve both the main home and the new ADU.
The result? A spacious 2-bedroom, 2-bath accessory dwelling unit in the heart of Olivenhain. The 970 sq ft home features a bright, open layout, ensuite primary bath with dual sinks, full-size washer and dryer, and thoughtful touches like an outdoor shower and a 160 sq ft storage shed. Tenants will enjoy a private yard with mature citrus trees, grapevines, and a raised garden bed with built-in irrigation, plus two dedicated parking spots.
From the start, the owners were intentional about designing a home they’d want to live in themselves. With future plans to return to the property, they prioritized comfort, privacy, and seamless integration with the main home and existing landscape. Note the touch of the clerestory windows on the side of the ADU so that the occupants of both homes have added privacy.
“The team at SnapADU was incredibly professional, patient, and kind every step of the way. We built our ADU in Encinitas from out of town, and they made what could have been a stressful process feel manageable and positive. We are truly grateful for their flexibility, communication, and top-notch work.” – Mary G, Homeowner in Encinitas
Floor Plan:
2BR/2BA 47×21 Long
Community:
The Encinitas ADU Guide
We have many projects in Encinitas and we know the city’s regulations and processes very well. Encinitas has some of the lowest permitting fees in the area, averaging just $2-4 per square foot of space for ADUs. We are also seeing fewer requirements for minor use permits in the coastal zone. Encinitas has also put out “permit ready” plans (PRADU), which some homeowners have found helpful as a starting place for their ADU designs.
The greatest attribute of Encinitas is that nearly all plan check and building permit fees have been waived for ADUs. Also, while much of Encinitas is located in the coastal zone, ADUs do not require extensive coastal permit requirements, meaning there is little to no added time or cost for coastal.
What about Encinitas Permit Ready Accessory Dwelling Unit (PRADU) Program?
You may have heard about the City of Encinitas having a permit ready ADU program (PRADU). 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. Based on our experience building several PRADU plans, 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.
