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Types of ADUs in San Diego

Adding an accessory dwelling unit to your home is a brilliant way to create more living space and add significant value.

For ADU construction in San Diego, here are the three most popular options:

Types-of-ADU
Attached-ADUs

Attached ADUs

Also known as “sidecar” or “in-law” units, attached accessory dwelling units are physically attached to the primary residence on a property. We often build them on an addition to the existing house or convert them from an existing portion of the house, such as a garage.

Similar to additions, attached ADUs add less square footage than standalone ADUs, and their floor plans may be restricted by the size and shape of the existing structures they are attached to. They usually share walls with the main house and have a separate entrance, kitchen, bathroom, and living area.

Detached-ADUs

Detached ADUs

Commonly known as “granny flats,” “secondary suites,” or “in-law units,” detached accessory dwelling units are completely separate from the primary home and with own entrance, kitchen, bathroom, and living area.

They are a great solution for maintaining privacy for a rental unit and are smaller than the primary residence.

Interior-ADUs

Interior ADUs

Interior ADUs, or Accessory Dwelling Units, are separate living spaces created within the interior of a single-family home. This can include converting existing spaces such as attics, basements, or garages into living areas. These units are typically located within the main house and are accessible from the main living areas. The creation of interior ADUs can provide additional living space for families or individuals.

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    County of San Diego ADU Construction Regulations

    The State of California law permits the construction of one ADU and/or one Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit (JADU) on properties zoned for residential use, so long as the addition includes complete independent living facilities for one or more persons and blends with an existing home.

    The County of San Diego ADU construction regulations includes:

    1 Number of ADUs Allowed

    In San Diego, a single-family home allows for one or two accessory dwelling units (ADUs) – one detached ADU and one attached ADU on their property, for a total of two ADUs.

    These regulations are implemented to ensure the city’s housing stock is balanced, and the ADUs are safe and comply with building codes and zoning laws.

    2 ADU Size

    For attached ADUs, the floor area must be at most 50% of the main dwelling, limited to 1,200 square feet. However, an exception applies if the ADU has more than one bedroom, and the maximum floor area can be increased to 850 square feet or 1,000 square feet, irrespective of the size of the main dwelling.

    For detached ADUs, the maximum floor area is 1,200 square feet, regardless of the size of the existing main dwelling.

    3 Height

    Attached ADUs exceeding 1,000 sq. ft. and/or more than 12 feet in height will be subject to the main building setbacks and height regulations of the Zoning Ordinance.

    A detached ADU is limited to a maximum height of 25 feet, except for multifamily complexes.

    4 Setbacks

    We also ensure all newly constructed ADUs conform to the obligatory front yard setbacks and must maintain a minimum side and rear setback of 4 feet (except where fire setback regulations apply).

    5 Parking

    One parking space is required for both attached and detached ADUs, unless an exemption from parking requirements applies to the project.

    Get In Touch

    When building a custom ADU in San Diego, we start by understanding your vision and delivering on it, from design, and permitting, to construction. Contact us for a free consultation today, and let us help you make your ADU construction dream a reality!

    Our ADU Construction Process

    Our ability to manage your San Diego ADU construction project from start to finish will ensure the work is done right and on time.

    Here is our simple yet comprehensive process that allows you to be part of the entire development of your new ADU.

    1

    Site/Property Assessment

    The first step in our San Diego ADU construction process is to conduct a site and property assessment to determine if an ADU is possible and to assess any potential issues that may arise, including reviewing zoning laws, building codes, and any other ADU construction regulations.

    2

    Explore ADU Options

    Once the site and property have been assessed, the next step is to explore the different ADU options available and decide on the best option that suits your needs in terms of space, cost and return on investment.

    3

    ADU Design

    Our ADU design process will include determining the ADU’s size, location, access, and interior and exterior features. This will include details such as the layout, flooring, cabinetry, and appliances.

    4

    Architectural and Structural Plans

    Once the design is finalized, we prepare architectural and structural layout plans that include detailed drawings, floor plans, elevations, and construction details, especially for detached ADUs.

    5

    City Review and Approval

    We will submit the architectural and structural plans to the city for review and approval. This may take a few weeks, depending on the complexity of the project and the city’s workload.

    6

    Obtaining Construction Permits

    Once the plans are approved, we will apply for the necessary building permit, electrical and plumbing permits. This permit will allow us to begin construction or remodeling work on the ADU.

    7

    ADU Construction

    The construction or remodeling work can then begin as per the plans. The construction involves earthworks, foundation building, framing, roof and wall panel installations, windows and doors, and install all the finishing details.

    8

    Overseeing City Inspections

    The city will conduct several inspections during the construction process to ensure that the work is being done per the approved plans and building codes. Once all inspections are passed, the ADU will be deemed habitable and ready to be occupied.

    Benefits of Building ADUs in San Diego

    ADUs have become a popular housing option among property owners in San Diego thanks to their ability to cater to diverse needs and preferences.

    Here are the five benefits of building an accessory dwelling unit on your property:

    • Affordable Housing – ADUs offer additional affordable housing options for renters in a market with high housing costs.
    • Additional Income – as a homeowner, you can generate additional income by renting out an ADU as a long-term or short-term rental.
    • Aging in Place – ADUs can offer your aging family members a place to live independently while still being close to family.
    • Increased Property Value – adding an accessory dwelling unit will increase your property’s value because of the additional living space.
    • Flexibility – if you are considering creating a home gym or office but want separate space, ADUs are a great option.
    • Increased Density – adding accessory dwelling units help increase density in neighborhoods, leading to a more vibrant and active community.
    • Sustainable Housing Solution – ADUs are energy-efficient housing options that use less resources and energy than traditional homes. Due to their smaller sizes, they require less energy for heating and cooling.
    ADU Builders

    Difference between an ADU and a JADU

    An ADU is a separate living unit built on your property to increase living space, while a JADU is created by partitioning space within your existing home's floor plan and does not increase the square footage of your home.

    Difference-between-an-ADU-and-a-JADU

    Size

    ADUs are typically larger than JADUs, with JADUs being less than 500 square feet in size, while ADUs are allowed up to 1,200 square feet or 50% of the living area.

    Purpose

    ADUs can be used for various purposes, such as rental property, aging parents or adult children, or as a home office, while JADUs are only retained for owner occupancy.

    Location

    ADUs can be located on the same property as the primary residence or a separate lot, while JADUs are typically built on the same property as the primary residence.

    Access

    ADUs can have separate or shared access with the primary residence, while JADUs typically have separate access.

    Utilities

    ADUs are required to have separate utilities, while JADUs may share utilities with the primary residence.

    Financing Your Home Remodeling Project

    Better Place Remodeling believes everyone should be entitled to renovate their home. That’s why we work with the best financing companies to provide our customers with different financing plans so they can find the one that best fits their needs.

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    We Provide The Best San Diego Home Remodeling Experience

    1

    Free Consultation

    We’ll arrive at your home to get a better understanding of your vision and to discuss your ideas, budget and needs.

    Consultation

    2

    Design & Planning

    After discussing all of the details of your remodel, our experts will begin designing your project. Planning is essential at this stage as we move toward a successful project. We will communicate with you throughout the process, keeping you up to date on the overall plan as it’s developed.

    Design & Planning

    3

    Construction Documents & Building Permits

    We’ll make sure to get and prepare all documentation and permits required to proceed with your home renovation project.

    Construction Documents & Building Permits

    4

    Construction Phase

    Once the plan has been agreed on and finalized we’ll begin the construction phase. We will work relentlessly to make your vision a beautiful, efficient, and long-lasting reality. All our San Diego home renovation projects are built to the highest standards.

    Construction Phase

    5

    Final Walkthrough

    Before we hand you back your keys we’ll do a final walkthrough to ensure that every detail is of the highest quality, and that you have received every item on the project plan and is to your satisfaction.

    Final Walkthrough

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    My wife and I hired Better Place Remodeling on May 7, 2020, and our project was completed on August 31, 2020. Evi was the first person with whom we made in-person contact, and let me tell you, he exuded nothing but professionalism, courtesy, and respect to both my wife and me! Having hired F.A.T. Construction prior under the general foreman Tony Chavez and having a VERY POOR experience with that contractor, my wife and I were very skeptical, to say the least. Evi quickly earned our trust and our business through his constant contact and updates. He always kept my wife in the loop with all major decisions during the project. Had I not continuously kept adding more to the project, Evi and his crew would have finished a lot sooner than expected. Evi even went so far as to bring us his favorite type of coffee direct from Israel as we had a good working relationship. The one time I got frustrated at the job was nothing to do with Better Place Remodeling, but rather the City of Escondido with their slow permit approval process due to COVID-19. Even though this wasn't Evi's fault, he even brought me Starbucks coffee one night and further explained the backlog of permits. I also would like to send a shout-out to Barr and to Evi's top Landscaper Herman. Barr stepped in and helped Evi with our project when Evi's plate was full. Barr also exuded the same professionalism, courtesy, and respect to both my wife and me! Herman? What can I say? The guy has landscaping skills! Let him make suggestions to you and be open-minded about them-you will not be disappointed! Thanks, Evi, Barr, and Herman for such tremendous work on our home!

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      FAQs

      Given that this may be a new experience, we provide you with the insights, information and resources to understand your ADU process.

      1 Can I Build an ADU on My San Diego Property?

      San Diego County has permitted ADUs on most residentially zoned lots regardless of their size as long as an existing home is already on the property and the structure meets the basic restrictions. ADUs are also allowed on multifamily properties.

      2 Can I connect ADU Utilities to the Main Dwelling?

      In San Diego, ADUs typically have separate utility connections for sewers and meters for electricity, gas, and water.

      3 What is your Inspection Process throughout Construction and Final Walk-Through?

      We are involved in the process from day one since we are open and transparent and everything is recorded and documented.

      Inspections are handled by San Diego county, and they happen at all critical phases, from Site Development to structure to plumbing, mechanical and electrical, and through all phases of trim out and the certificate of occupancy (CO).

      4 Do you have Planners, Designers, and Soil Experts to Ensure the Land Is Buildable?

      At Better Place Remodeling, we handle all engineering, design, and implementation phases. Soil samples, compaction tests, and geotechnical analysis are part of the planning process. We start by reviewing your survey, and then our designers will determine what can be built and where.

      5 Will an ADU Construction Mandate a Review of My Home Value?

      According to the County of San Diego, ADU constructions will not trigger a review, but the unit itself will be evaluated for tax purposes. We will help you check with your local tax assessor’s office for further information.

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      Consult Your San Diego Remodeling Contractor Today

      From the initial consultation to the final walk-through, we take the time to answer your questions and actualize your home upgrade dream as your trusted San Diego ADU contractor. If you have any questions, fill out the form below or call us at

      (858) 217-4429