• (619) 453-4920
  • contact@sandiego-adus.com
  • San Diego, CA

FAQ

Everything You Need to Know About Building an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) in San Diego

An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a secondary residential unit built on the same lot as a primary home. It can be attached, detached, or a garage conversion. In San Diego, ADUs are a great way to add extra living space, generate rental income, or accommodate family members.

Yes, ADUs require building permits from the City of San Diego’s Development Services Department. The permitting process ensures that the ADU meets zoning regulations, size limits, and safety requirements. Our team at San Diego ADUs can handle the entire permitting process for you.

The ADU process typically takes 6–12 months, including:

  • Design & planning: 1–2 months
  • Permitting: 2–4 months
  • Construction: 3–6 months

Our team streamlines the process, ensuring efficient approvals and high-quality construction.

When selecting an ADU contractor, consider:
Experience & portfolio – Do they specialize in ADUs?
Licensing & permits – Are they a licensed builder?
Transparent pricing – Do they provide detailed cost breakdowns?
Customer reviews – Are past clients satisfied with their work?

At San Diego ADUs, we handle everything from design to construction, ensuring a seamless and stress-free process. Contact us for a free consultation today!

The cost of building an ADU depends on:

  • Size (e.g., 400 sq. ft. studio vs. 1,200 sq. ft. two-bedroom)
  • Type (detached, attached, garage conversion)
  • Materials & design
  • Permit fees & labor costs

Estimated costs:

  • Garage Conversion ADU: $75,000 – $150,000
  • Detached ADU (600 sq. ft.): $150,000 – $250,000
  • Larger Custom ADUs (1,000+ sq. ft.): $250,000+

We offer free cost estimatescontact us to discuss your budget.

The City of San Diego has relaxed ADU regulations to encourage more housing. Key zoning rules include:
✔ No minimum lot size required
✔ Maximum size: 1,200 sq. ft.
✔ Setbacks: 4 feet from property lines
✔ No parking required for ADUs near public transit
✔ Multiple ADUs allowed on multi-family properties

We’ll ensure your ADU meets all legal requirements.

Yes! ADUs can be rented out as long-term rentals, making them a great investment for passive income. However, short-term rentals (Airbnb, VRBO) are restricted in some areas—check local laws before listing your ADU.

Building an ADU is an investment, and homeowners have several financing options:

  • Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)
  • Cash-out Refinance
  • ADU Construction Loans
  • Government & local grants

We can connect you with trusted lenders who specialize in ADU financing.