ADU Buiders

Mission Valley

March 29, 2024

13 min read

Make the right choice with an experienced ADU builder in Mission Valley.

Introduction

Navigating the construction and rental process of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in Mission Valley demands a partnership with adept ADU builders who grasp the local regulations comprehensively. With the city’s housing landscape evolving, ADUs represent a burgeoning opportunity for homeowners to enhance their property’s value and utility. Understanding Mission Valley’s specific ADU construction and rental regulations ensures a successful and compliant project. Partnering with the right ADU builder, like Better Place Remodeling, which offers a one-stop shop for the entire ADU process, streamlines these ventures, ensuring efficiency and compliance.

Essential ADU Rules for Mission Valley

What you can build

Maximum size
Maximum gross floor area of 1,200 square feet for detached ADUs. Attached ADUs cannot exceed 50% of the primary residence's floor area.
Side / rear setbacks
Detached ADUs can be up to the property line if the structure height is 16 feet or less. Otherwise, a 4-foot setback from the side and rear property lines is required.
Two story
Two-story ADUs are allowed, with the height for those located above a garage or other accessory buildings capped at 21 feet for flat roofs and 30 feet for sloped roofs.
Building separation
4-foot minimum separation is required between an ADU and the primary residence.

Permitting timeline

Standard
4-6 months.
Coastal
Not required.

Choosing the Right ADU Builder in Mission Valley

Selecting the right ADU builders in Mission Valley is crucial. Knowledge of local zoning laws, design proficiency, and navigating city regulations efficiently are key considerations. Better Place Remodeling stands out as the premier choice, providing homeowners with an in-house, one-stop solution for the entire ADU development process, from design through construction and completion. Their comprehensive approach simplifies the ADU development process, ensuring projects meet local guidelines while reflecting the homeowner’s vision.

Mission Valley ADU Construction Process

The construction of an ADU in Mission Valley unfolds through a meticulously organized process, ensuring compliance at every phase:

Feasibility Study

Initial assessments including zoning, utility mapping, and financial analysis.

Design & Planning

Development of detailed plans and material selection.

Permitting

Submission of documents and managing the application through the review process.

Build

Site preparation, construction, inspections, and final adjustments.

Completion

Handover of the ADU, ready for occupancy.

This structured approach ensures that each ADU project aligns with Mission Valley’s regulations and the homeowner’s expectations.

Building Your ADU in Mission Valley

In Mission Valley, a single-family residential lot can accommodate up to four units under certain zoning conditions. This includes one Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU), one Junior ADU (JADU) within the primary residence, one income-restricted affordable ADU, and one bonus market-rate ADU.

On multifamily properties, owners can construct two detached ADUs. Additionally, they can convert non-livable spaces (e.g., storage rooms, garages) into unlimited ADUs. Additional ADUs may also be allowed if designated for low or moderate-income housing.

No, it is not mandatory to submit Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) plans in person in Mission Valley, San Diego. The City of San Diego allows for the digital submission of applications for an ADU.

ADU Size & Building Constraints in Mission Valley

Detached ADUs in Mission Valley are subject to a maximum gross floor area of 1,200 square feet.

The height limit for detached ADUs is a minimum of 16 feet, with the possibility of constructing taller structures provided they meet specific setback requirements. Specific zones may have additional height restrictions.

Yes, two-story ADUs are allowed in Mission Valley. The height restrictions vary by the type of ADU and its location relative to transit stops and the primary dwelling.

ADUs must match the primary residence in exterior design, including roofing, walls, windows, and color schemes, to ensure consistency and compatibility with the neighborhood’s character.

ADUs must adhere to the front yard and street-side yard setback regulations. They may encroach into the side and rear yard setbacks under certain conditions, offering flexibility in placement on the property.

No, Mission Valley does not specify a minimum lot size requirement for constructing an ADU, promoting the development of ADUs across a variety of property sizes.

Renting Your ADU in Mission Valley

Renting out an ADU in Mission Valley presents a lucrative opportunity for homeowners, given the city’s dynamic housing market and high demand for rental properties. When considering renting out your ADU, it’s important to factor in local market insights, indicating strong rental income potential, and to be aware of landlord legal requirements, including local ordinances around rental agreements, tenant rights, and responsibilities, as well as specific utility and address considerations for ADUs. Mission Valley mandates that ADUs must be leased for terms longer than 30 consecutive days, aligning with efforts to boost long-term housing supply. Landlords should also be mindful of providing separate utility meters for ADUs or establishing fair utility-sharing agreements if utilities are shared with the main residence, addressing these factors early in the planning process to ensure a smooth transition to becoming a landlord and enhance the attractiveness of the ADU to potential tenants. Moreover, the city facilitates the assignment of separate mailing addresses for ADUs, enhancing their functionality and independence from the primary residence, beneficial for utility billing and ensuring tenants have access to mail and emergency services without confusion.

Neighborhoods: Birdland, Grantville, Kearny Mesa, Mission Valley, Serra Mesa.

Zip	1BR	2BR	3BR
92108	$2,625	$3,001	$3,525
92123	$2,478	$2,761	$3,555

Calculate Your ADU Cost in Mission Valley

Curious about the cost of your ADU in Mission Valley? Find out quickly with our interactive calculator. This tool is designed to give you a rough estimate.

Attached ADU

Estimated Cost

*The costs we are calculating here are an average for time and materials. This calculator is meant to provide an estimate to educate you on the ADU building process, please note that this is not a final quote.

Detached ADU

Estimated Cost

Garage ADU

Estimated Cost

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Summary

Building and renting out an ADU in Mission Valley presents an appealing opportunity for homeowners to capitalize on their property’s potential while contributing to the city’s housing diversity. Through careful planning, adherence to local regulations, and partnering with experienced ADU builders like Better Place Remodeling, homeowners can navigate the ADU development process with confidence, ensuring that the project not only meets legal requirements but also serves as a valuable addition to Mission Valley’s housing landscape. Whether seeking to accommodate a growing family, generate rental income, or provide housing for a caregiver, ADUs offer a versatile solution. By consulting with professionals and the local planning department, homeowners can make informed decisions that align with their goals and the community’s needs. As Mission Valley continues to evolve, ADUs stand out as a sustainable option to enhance urban living, offering a blend of privacy, accessibility, and community integration.