GetYourPermit

ADU permit process in San Diego, California

Last verified August 28, 2026

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DSD reviews and issues all ADU/JADU building permits citywide; there are no exemptions from the Building Permit requirement. All new permit applications are submitted online through the Development Services Accela portal, with Planning, Building, and Fire review depending on project scope. State law requires action on a complete ADU application within 60 days; projects using preapproved plans get an expedited 30-day review.

Typical timeline

Preapproved-plan applications: 30-day review. Standard/custom applications: state law requires city action within 60 days of a complete application; overall plan check and issuance often takes several weeks longer depending on complexity.

Where to apply

Department
City of San Diego Development Services Department (DSD)
Permit portal
Development Services Online Permits (Accela Citizen Access)
Contact
619-446-5000

Step by step

  1. 1

    Confirm zoning and setback compliance

    Use the city's ZAPP mapping tool to confirm the property's zone, front-setback requirements, and whether it is in the Coastal Overlay Zone.

  2. 2

    Choose preapproved or custom plans

    Select a preapproved ADU plan (City-accepted providers include San Diego County, Chula Vista, and Encinitas plan sets) for a faster 30-day review, or commission custom plans.

  3. 3

    Prepare the plan set and forms

    Assemble site plan, floor/roof plans, elevations, structural plans, Title 24 energy calculations, and required DSD forms (e.g., DS-3032, DS-16, DS-560).

  4. 4

    Submit online for a Building Permit

    Apply for a Building Permit (or Combination Building Permit) through the DSD's online Accela portal.

  5. 5

    Plan review and corrections

    Planning, Building, and (if applicable) Fire review the plans; respond to correction comments until approval.

  6. 6

    Pay fees

    Pay applicable General Plan Maintenance Fee, School Fees, Development Impact Fees, and plan check/permit issuance fees (see Information Bulletin 501).

  7. 7

    Permit issuance

    Permit is issued once plans are approved and fees are paid.

  8. 8

    Construction, inspections, and final

    Build per approved plans, schedule required inspections, and pass final inspection to complete the project.

What you need to submit

  • Site plan/vicinity map
  • Floor and roof plans
  • Elevations and sections
  • Structural plans and calculations
  • Title 24 energy calculations
  • Forms DS-3032, DS-16, DS-560

San Diego ADU rules at a glance

JADU
Max 500 sq ft, must be a conversion or attached within/to an existing or proposed single dwelling unit; requires a JADU Agreement
Height
Detached ADUs in single-dwelling zones limited to 2 stories; must otherwise comply with base zone height limits
Parking
No parking required outside the Coastal Overlay/Beach Impact Area for ADUs; none required for JADUs
Max size
ADU: 150-1,200 sq ft; JADU: 150-500 sq ft (conversions exempt from the ADU max)
Setbacks
Front setback of the zone applies; ADU may encroach into side, street-side, and rear setbacks (up to the property line in some cases); if the side/rear property line abuts residential property and the ADU exceeds 16 ft in height, a 4-ft side/rear setback applies
Owner occupancy
Not required for ADUs; required for JADUs only if the JADU shares sanitation facilities with the main residence

Pre-approved ADU plans

San Diego publishes pre-approved plan sets, which can shorten plan check.

View pre-approved plans

Practical tips

  • Preapproved plans (County of San Diego, Chula Vista, or Encinitas providers) cut review to 30 days but require paying the plan provider a separate licensing fee.
  • Check ZAPP for your zone before design -- front setback compliance is mandatory even though side/rear setbacks can often go to the property line.
  • Properties in the Coastal Overlay Zone or Beach Impact Area have different parking and process rules -- check the Coastal ADU page.
  • The ADU Bonus Program can allow extra non-deed-restricted units if you include a deed-restricted affordable ADU.

Sources for this guide

Additional city reference pages