GetYourPermit

ADU permit process in San Diego, California

Last verified August 29, 2026

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This guide includes the portions of the City permit process that passed our evidence review. Confirm project-specific requirements with the City before submitting.

Where to apply

Department
Development Services Department
Permit portal
City Online Portal System

Step by step

  1. 1

    Submit ADU/JADU Building application digitally

    Create Online Permitting Account Select Building Construction for a new permit application Submit minimum plans, calculations and forms Digital permit application

  2. 2

    City reviews application and applicable conditions

    Comply with development regulations and any conditional Coastal requirements Plan-review result

  3. 3

    Meet issuance conditions

    Provide Junior Unit Agreement when a JADU is proposed Permit issuance conditions met

What you need to submit

  • General Application DS-3032
  • Floor/roof plans, elevations/sections, structural plans and applicable calculations
  • Site Plan and Vicinity Map
  • Water Meter Data Card DS-16 and Storm Water Applicability Checklist DS-560
  • Junior Unit Agreement — only in some cases

Pre-approved ADU plans

Use San Diego’s official page to confirm which designs, site conditions, and supplemental documents qualify. Plan-check timing still depends on the project and city review.

View pre-approved plans

Project-specific next step

Build your San Diego permit report

Choose your ADU type and size to bring the City process, researched permit fees, and early construction budget into one planning report.

Start my permit report

Planning ADUs on an existing or proposed multifamily property? Review our California multifamily ADU limits under SB 1211 before asking the City to confirm the parcel-specific path.

Sources for this guide

Additional city reference pages