SAN DIEGO ADU GUIDE
Thinking about an ADU in San Diego?
Start here. See what to check, what it may cost, and which path could fit your property.
THE SHORT ANSWER
Start with your property. Then choose the path.
An ADU can create room for family, rental income, or future flexibility. The right path depends on what is already there, what the City recognizes, the site, and the budget.
Check my propertyEXPLORE THE GUIDE
What do you need to figure out?
Can I build an ADU?
Check the property and the rules that could change the answer.
Start here →Can I convert my garage?
See when using the existing structure makes sense.
Read the guide →What belongs in the budget?
Build a complete budget, not just a price per square foot.
See the costs →Which plan fits?
Understand what a plan solves and what it does not.
Compare plans →What happens before a permit?
See the useful order from property facts to submittal.
See the path →How could I pay for it?
Compare the role, timing, and risk of each financing path.
Compare the paths →What could it rent for?
Run the income side with your own numbers before you rely on it.
Try the numbers →Is an ADU worth it?
Compare cost, income, borrowing, cash reserves, and waiting.
Work through it →Where is San Diego building ADUs?
Permit counts, time to permit and declared values by neighborhood and ZIP code.
See the numbers →ADU income calculator
Your cost, rent, vacancy and operating costs. See what is left before loan payments.
Open the calculator →COMMON QUESTIONS
What homeowners ask next.
Is an ADU automatically allowed on every San Diego property?
No. State and City rules create broad pathways, but the property, existing legal units, zone, overlays, and proposed work still determine which path may remain.
Does a free plan mean the project is ready to permit?
No. A plan still has to fit the site and the applicable rules, utilities, and professional requirements.
Can an ADU be used for short-term rentals?
Rental and occupancy rules depend on the unit type and current law. Confirm the intended use before treating rental income as part of the business case.
What is the fastest useful first step?
Start by checking what’s allowed on your property and what could limit your options. Do this before spending money on detailed plans.
YOUR PROPERTY IS THE NEXT QUESTION
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