Permits and Regulations for Rebuilding in Pacific Palisades
January 28, 2025
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Read More » With a rising cost of living and an ever-increasing need for flexible living solutions, Accessory Dwelling Units have certainly grown in popularity among San Diego homeowners. Whether you are looking to accommodate family, generate some rental income, or simply have more space in your property, an ADU can be a practical and viable solution.
In this guide to building an ADU in San Diego, we will take you through all you need to know, from the legal requirements to the actual building, and show you how working with an expert ADU builder in San Diego can make the process seamless.
With a rising cost of living and an ever-increasing need for flexible living solutions, Accessory Dwelling Units have certainly grown in popularity among San Diego homeowners. Whether you are looking to accommodate family, generate some rental income, or simply have more space in your property, an ADU can be a practical and viable solution.
In this guide, we will take you through all you need to know, from the legal requirements to the actual building, and show you how working with an expert ADU builder in San Diego can make the process seamless.
Let’s start at the start: An ADU, or Accessory Dwelling Unit, is a smaller, independent residential space built on the same lot as a primary home. It has its own entrance, kitchen, bathroom and sleeping area, making it a self-contained dwelling. ADUs come in several varying forms:
Understanding how to build an ADU in San Diego starts with choosing the right type for your needs and the layout of your property
An ADU is more than just some extra living space: it is an investment in the potential of your property. What it can deliver goes beyond mere monetary value but, don’t worry, it does offer that too.
With the help of a qualified ADU builder, you can maximize all of these benefits by designing to meet your goals, ensuring compliance and delivering a unit which will add significant and lasting value to the property.
Before construction begins, it is of the utmost importance that you understand the San Diego ADU requirements, which cover where and how you may build. It is always vital to consider that legal compliance should be ensured before you build – a non-compliant structure can be removed by the authorities and you will have no legal recourse if its building was unauthorized and non-spec.
San Diego allows ADUs on most residentially zoned properties on unincorporated land, including single-family and multi-family lots. The city’s policies are ADU-friendly, supporting densification while preserving neighborhood character and preventing sprawl.
Attached ADUs have size limitations placed upon them related to the single-family dwelling (SFD), while detached ADUs are limited to 1,200 sq ft. JADUs are limited to 500 sq ft.
An ADU on the property can be rented out, but is not permitted for sale separate from the primary residence. There is no requirement to add parking so long as your property is close to public transit links; otherwise, it will require the addition of a single off-road parking space.
While most statewide ADU laws have been in effect for a reasonable period of time, the city does occasionally update its local codes so, for the most accurate guidance, a builder such as JDB Builders Inc. will be of considerable use in clarifying current rules and ensuring your design is fully compliant from the start.
Building an ADU may seem complex – and to some extent it is, as is any new building undertaking. With a step-by-step approach, and the right builder, it becomes a much more manageable and rewarding process.
A site assessment, usually free of charge, evaluates the suitability of your property for an ADU. Builders will consider access, utilities, topography, setback requirements and local zoning and advise you what’s feasible.
Custom plans are developed, based on your goals, budget, and the conditions of the lot. Your builder can help you make decisions on layout, finishes, and whether to go with a prefabricated structure or one that is stick-built.
San Diego requires permits for building permanent structures, and applications must include structural plans, site layout, and energy compliance documents. Your builder will streamline this process and should be able to submit everything on your behalf, ensuring faster approvals and a quick start once these have been secured.
Once plans have been approved, site work can begin – grading, trench-digging for utilities, framing, roofing and interiors. Communication with your contractors is essential during this phase, and an experienced builder from JDB Builders Inc, will keep you fully informed and on schedule.
The city will conduct several inspections along the way and, once passed, your ADU is signed off for occupancy.
Working with a skilled specialist throughout ensures that every detail, from initial planning to handover, is executed professionally, on time, and within budget.
Naturally, a lot of factors will affect the cost of a newly-built ADU, but the typical San Diego ADU cost in 2025 is as follows:
This is, of course, a guideline, and costs can be affected by factors such as:
Your contractor will keep you aware of any complications and will offer you choices in order to make the best decisions for your budget without the need to sacrifice quality.
Even with the best of intentions, homeowners can run into avoidable issues that delay the project, increase costs, or result in a non-compliant structure. These are some of the mistakes to avoid when building an ADU in San Diego.
While you may be tempted to go with a general contractor, it is worth recognizing that ADUs come with their own specific challenges, and a dedicated ADU builder in San Diego is ready to meet those challenges.
Zoning laws, permit pathways, and inspection requirements are different in every city. A dedicated, San Diego-based team knows how to work efficiently with local authorities and deliver the necessary paperwork on time and in full.
From the initial feasibility studies to the day you move in, the right builder can make each stage clear and coordinated. This ensures that there are no delays and no unexpected costs during the process.
Specialist builders like JDB Builders Inc. design with your goals in mind, applying their knowledge to your vision. They ensure that your ADU is set up to function well, be fully compliant, and deliver a long-term return on your investment.
When you choose an experienced team, you aren’t just building a unit. You’re building peace of mind that will last for many years to come.
If you are ready to explore the potential of your property, please get in touch with JDB Builders Inc. today for a free consultation and site study. We can help you evaluate your options and guide you through every step of your San Diego ADU journey – from initial idea to comfortable occupancy.
No pressure. Just expert advice from your local ADU team.
1. California Department of Housing and Community Development
2. City of Los Angeles ADU reference
