Shed Roof ADU Under 500 SF in San Diego
Ridgeview Drive, San Diego, CA 92105
Homeowner Story: Bring aging family closer
Shed Roof ADU in San Diego
This thoughtfully designed shed roof ADU in San Diego was created to offer a comfortable and private living space for aging parents. At 499 square feet, the 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom layout makes smart use of its narrow footprint while maintaining a warm and functional interior.
The elongated structure measuring 38 feet long and just over 13 feet wide is topped with a modern shed roof that complements the clean lines of the unit. This sleek design is ideal for properties where space is limited but style and comfort are still top priorities.
Smart Layout for Narrow Lots
This ADU layout is a great option for narrow or irregularly shaped lots. It maximizes usability without sacrificing livability. Its efficient design includes a spacious bedroom, open-concept living area, a bathroom easily accessible from the bedroom and living room, and in unit laundry. Because this ADU is under 500 square feet, homeowners may qualify for certain local cost saving exemptions, such as waiving the need for a soils report or reduced wastewater fees. See more one bedroom ADU plans.
Why Choose a Shed Roof ADU?
Shed roofs, also known as single-slope roofs, are a popular choice for modern ADU designs. A shed roof ADU slopes in one direction, often toward the rear of the structure. It creates a clean, minimalist profile while allowing for added ceiling height and natural light.
Compared to other roof types like gable, hip, or flat roofs, shed roofs offer a simple and cost effective way to achieve a contemporary look. They’re especially useful for drainage on narrow ADUs and can allow for the installation of clerestory windows to bring in extra daylight. Check out our Ultimate Guide to ADU Exterior Design to learn more about roof types.
Floor Plan:
1BR/1BA Encinitas & La Mesa PRADU DZN
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.
