Permit Required?
Required
Typical Fee Range
$1,200–$6,000
Includes school impact fees ($5.38/sq ft) and housing impact fees. California state law mandates 60-day review.
Fee Method
Valuation-based
What's Required in San Diego
- Combination building permit required for all new ADU construction and conversions
- Cities must approve/deny complete applications within 60 days per 2026 state law
- Housing Impact Fee of $0.80 per square foot applies for units over 750 sq ft
- Full construction plans including energy (Title 24) and stormwater checks required
- ADU rent must remain affordable for 7 years if using specific density bonus programs
- Zoning determines max size and density; some SD areas allow 'Bonus ADUs'
How to Get a ADU Permit in San Diego
1
Step 1: Project Design
Draft full architectural and structural plans for the ADU unit.
2
Step 2: Submit to OpenDSD
Upload the 'Combination Building' application and Title 24 documents to the portal.
3
Step 3: Plan Review
Review occurs within 60 days; the city identifies needed corrections within 15 days.
4
Step 4: Fee Payment
Pay invoiced building fees, impact fees, and school fees through OpenDSD.
5
Step 5: Full Inspections
Schedule the complete series: Foundation, Framing, Rough MEP, Insulation, and Final.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, California law allows ADUs on most residential lots; San Diego also offers a density bonus program.
Permit and impact fees usually range from $1,200 up to $6,000+ depending on unit size and location.
Typically 1,200 square feet for a detached unit, but check specific zoning bonus limits.