ADU Permits in San Diego: 2026 Homeowner Guide

Start with the jurisdiction, not a generic checklist

“San Diego” can mean the City of San Diego or another city or unincorporated area in San Diego County. The reviewing agency, submittal process, zoning details, utility coordination, and site-specific requirements can differ. Confirm the property address and authority having jurisdiction before relying on a checklist or planning assumption.

City of San Diego homeowners

For properties inside the City of San Diego, begin with the Development Services Department’s current ADU/JADU materials. Information Bulletin 400 is an official starting point for the city’s submittal and review framework. The city may update forms, fees, checklists, and technical requirements, so verify the current version when the project is being prepared.

Also check the City’s current ADU/JADU program page and regulatory updates before relying on an older checklist, particularly for properties in the Coastal Overlay Zone where effective dates can differ.

Use California guidance as the statewide baseline

California Department of Housing and Community Development publishes statewide ADU guidance explaining the state-law framework and common ADU/JADU topics. Local review still depends on the property and jurisdiction, so statewide guidance and local requirements should be checked together.

Information to collect before permit planning

A useful early package usually starts with facts about the property rather than assumptions about a standard ADU. Gather what is available and identify what still needs verification.

• Property address and jurisdiction.
• Existing site plan, survey, plans, or assessor information when available.
• Location and size of the existing home and accessory structures.
• Desired ADU type, approximate size, bedrooms, access, and intended use.
• Known easements, slopes, retaining walls, drainage conditions, or constrained access.
• Known utility locations and electrical, water, sewer, or septic conditions.
• Existing unpermitted work or prior permit history that may affect the project.

Site conditions can change the path

Two similarly sized ADUs can have very different planning and construction requirements. Access, grading, utilities, existing structures, fire access, easements, drainage, foundation conditions, and the relationship to the existing home can all matter. These conditions should be identified before a homeowner treats any schedule or project total as fixed.

Professional scopes should be identified clearly

Residential construction planning can require drawings, calculations, surveys, engineering, energy documentation, or other professional services depending on the project. Cali Dream Construction is a residential general contractor. When architectural, engineering, surveying, or other professional services are needed, those scopes are identified separately and coordinated with the appropriate independent professional.

A practical ADU planning sequence

1. Confirm the property and jurisdiction. Verify which agency reviews the project.
2. Define the homeowner goal. Clarify the desired use, approximate size, access, and priorities.
3. Review existing conditions. Identify constraints visible from records and an on-site review.
4. Identify required professional scopes. Determine which drawings, calculations, surveys, or specialist input may be needed.
5. Check current official requirements. Use current city/county and California guidance rather than an old generic article.
6. Develop the construction plan around verified conditions. Coordinate scope, sequencing, permit-related requirements, and build logistics without presenting unknowns as guarantees.

Questions worth resolving early

• Is the property inside the City of San Diego or another jurisdiction?
• Is the proposed unit detached, attached, converted from existing space, or a JADU?
• What site access exists for demolition, excavation, material delivery, and construction?
• Are there known utility, sewer/septic, drainage, slope, easement, or retaining-wall constraints?
• What information is verified now, and what requires professional or agency confirmation?

This guide is general planning information, not a substitute for the reviewing jurisdiction’s current requirements or project-specific professional advice.