Custom Poolside ADU for the Grandfolks in Poway
Old Winery Road, Poway, CA 92064
Homeowner Story: Bring aging family closer
Other Features: Covered porch, Poolside
Special Circumstance: HOA
Video TourWe love bringing families together, and this ADU build is the perfect example! This couple wanted to leave their Midwest home to move closer to their children. So, they made the decision to invest in an ADU they can downsize and move into. The homeowner customized an existing standard plan, with some standout features like a hip roof and porch enclosure, and stone wainscoting on the exterior matched perfectly to the primary residence. The two bathrooms allow the couple to entertain- whether that is family, friends, or just the grandkids.
Read more about considerations for multigenerational living in our ADU Guide for Family Members.
Floor Plan:
2BR/2BA 36×31 L-Shape
Community:
The Poway ADU Guide
Poway is unique because it is currently the only jurisdiction in San Diego County that allows detached ADUs larger than 1,200 square feet. Qualifying properties can build detached ADUs up to 1,500 square feet, provided the ADU does not exceed 50% of the floor area of the primary residence. This additional square footage creates opportunities for larger homes designed for multigenerational living, downsizing, or long-term rentals.
We’ve worked on a wide variety of ADU projects throughout Poway, including large ADUs approaching the 1,500 sqft limit, ADUs with garages, poolside ADUs, HOA properties, homes for aging parents, and rental projects.
Another local consideration is Poway’s emphasis on architectural compatibility. Unlike many jurisdictions, the City requires the ADU’s exterior design, roofing, siding, and trim to be consistent with the primary residence. This requirement should be considered early during the design process to avoid delays during plan review. Read more in our Exterior ADU Guide.
Poway ADU Permitting
Most ADU permits in Poway are approved within approximately 5 to 6 months after submission. Poway requires in-person permit submissions and soils reports for ADU projects, both of which can add time and cost during design & permitting. The City will also require a floor plan of the existing residence to confirm that an attached ADU does not already exist on the property.
Permit costs generally range from approximately $4-8 per square foot, though larger ADUs may be subject to additional fees. Impact fees are not waived for ADUs larger than 750 square feet and are assessed proportionally based on the size of the primary residence.
While Poway is not located within the Coastal Zone, many properties are located within fire hazard areas. Depending on the location of the property, additional fire-related requirements may apply during design and permitting.
