ADU Allows Freedom for Travel in Encinitas
Manchester Avenue, Encinitas, CA
Homeowner Story: Downsize to ADU
Other Features: Covered porch
Special Circumstance: Septic, Coastal Zone
Video TourIn Encinitas, the client’s vision for a large one-bedroom layout resulted in an expansive living space. The addition of a spacious porch, accessible through large sliding glass doors, enhances the livable area and provides a charming outdoor retreat. The homeowners have big plans for this space, intending to reside in the ADU during their frequent trips to the area, while other family members occupy the main house. The property is on septic, so the homeowners also had a new septic system designed and installed to accommodate the ADU.
Floor Plan:
1BR/1BA 31×30 L-Shape
This large one bedroom unit features a large kitchen with optional island, plus a large living room with sliding glass. The large bedroom includes a walk-in closet and ensuite bath that also has hall access. Add a covered porch to this unit for even more living space.
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.
