Building an ADU in San Diego: 2026 Rules, Costs & Permits

San Diego's ADU Boom

San Diego has emerged as one of California's most active ADU markets. The city has streamlined its ADU process significantly, and with median rents above $2,500 for apartments, ADUs represent strong investment opportunities for homeowners.

San Diego ADU Rules (2026)

• Setbacks: 4-foot side and rear (state minimum). No setback required for garage conversions in existing footprint.
• Height: 16 feet standard; taller if within transit priority areas.
• Size: Up to 1,200 sq ft. JADUs up to 500 sq ft.
• Parking: No additional parking required (state law).
• Companion units: San Diego allows both an ADU and a JADU on single-family lots.

San Diego Permit Process

The City of San Diego's Development Services Department (DSD) handles ADU permits:

1. Online submittal through the DSD portal with complete plans.
2. 15-day ministerial review under SB 543 for code-compliant applications.
3. Fee payment and permit issuance.
4. Construction with scheduled inspections.

San Diego has been one of the faster cities in California for ADU approvals. Clean submittals with complete Title 24 calcs tend to move through without delays.

San Diego ADU Costs

• Detached ADU: $220,000 – $420,000
• Garage conversion: $90,000 – $175,000
• JADU: $55,000 – $100,000
• Permit fees: $2,500 – $6,000

Rental Income in San Diego

• Coastal (La Jolla, Pacific Beach, OB): $2,500 – $3,500/month
• Central (Hillcrest, North Park, Normal Heights): $2,000 – $2,800/month
• East County (El Cajon, La Mesa, Santee): $1,600 – $2,200/month
• South Bay (Chula Vista, National City): $1,500 – $2,000/month

See our full California ADU rental income guide for ROI calculations.

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