Step By Step Guide to Get ADU San Diego Permits and Approvals

Are you planning to build ADU San Diego on the existing property? Whether you are planning a backyard cottage or converting the garage into a livable space, you will notice that ADU can create an extra revenue stream or improve the property’s value.

Your biggest hurdle while planning and building the ADU would be permits. With every city having different regulations and approval system, you need to ensure you are following it to the t. in this guide, you will learn all about zonal checks, final inspections and everything in between that helps you ensure fully approved ADU design.

·         The first step towards building the ADU is to understand if your property is eligible for ADU. You should check the zoning designation available with the local bodies. These include R-1, -2 and multi family. next, understand the lot size and coverage rules for the ADU you are planning. You should also get them to inspect the existing structure of the property. They will identify the ADU type that is allowed for your property- garage conversion, basement unit etc. lastly, you will also need to check the total number of ADUs allowed for your home. In most cities, you are allowed to build one ADU on the single family lot. However, there are specific limitations that you must be aware of before getting started with house remodel San Diego. You can check for all of this by using the city/county’s zoning map and planning portal. You can also call the local planning and building department for this purpose. Lastly, the contractor or architect you have hired can also help.

·         The setback helps understand how close the ADU can be to the property lines, fences and structure. In case of rear yard, it should be typically four feet as the minimum range. In case of side yard, you should ensure 4-5 feet distance minimum. Front yards are not permitted for the ADU in many cities. Even if they are, there are a lot of restrictions that come with this setback. Lastly, the distance from the main house should be specific, according to the regulations laid by the city. There are specific ADU San Diego size limits that you should know. The detached ADUs should be anywhere between 800 and 1200 sq ft. in case of attached ADUs, it can be 50% of the primary home’s floor area. The junior ADU should be under 500 sq feet. The setbacks and square footage rules can help you balance density with privacy and safety.

·         You should consider the parking requirements while planning the ADU. In many cities, the ADUs are exempt from specific parking requirements. If the property is within half a mile of any public transit or in a historic district, you can avoid including parking. In this case, however, you need to ensure street parking. In case parking is important, you must tandem parking which is allowed by many cities. In some cases, you need to provide limited or permeable paving parking for the dwellers.

·         You should ideally have the site and floor plan ready after you are aware of the rules and building codes. It is equally important to create the structural drawings for home renovation San Diego.

It is a good idea to schedule inspections during construction so that you ensure everything is proper and within the regulations.