Getting an ADU permit in the City of San Diego typically takes 3 to 6 months from the start of design to permit issuance, and total agency fees usually run $14,000 to $22,000. Here is the full process, step by step.
Note: the City of San Diego and the County of San Diego (unincorporated areas) have different rules and portals. This guide covers the City. Confirm your jurisdiction first.
The permit process, step by step
- Design and plan preparation (about 1 to 2 months). Architectural, structural, energy (Title 24), and mechanical drawings prepared by your designer or builder.
- Submission (about 1 week). Submit through the City’s DSD online portal.
- First plan review (about 3 to 6 weeks). The City plan checker issues corrections across building, planning, fire, and utility departments.
- Corrections and resubmittal (varies). Your team addresses comments; may take a round or two.
- Permit issuance. Once plan checks clear, the building permit is granted.
- Construction and inspections. Routine inspections throughout the build ensure code compliance.
- Final sign-off. Final inspection and official approval. Your ADU is legal to occupy.
Permit and agency fees (City of San Diego, 2026)
| Fee | Typical amount |
|---|---|
| Total agency fees (all-in) | $14,000 to $22,000 |
| Building permit fees | $3,000 to $8,000 |
| School fees | $4.79 to $5.17 per sq ft (waived under 500 sq ft) |
| Impact fees | $5,000 to $15,000 (waived for ADUs 750 sq ft or less, SB 13) |
| Plus | SDG&E, water and sewer connection fees |
The two biggest fee savings (size thresholds matter)
- Under 750 sq ft: impact fees are fully waived (CA SB 13), saving a potential $5,000 to $15,000.
- Under 500 sq ft: school fees are waived too.
These thresholds often change the economics, so it is worth modeling before you finalize your ADU’s size. See our San Diego ADU Cost Guide for full pricing.
Key San Diego ADU rules
- State law (AB 2221, SB 897) limits the City’s ability to block conforming ADU applications.
- Setbacks, height, and size limits apply. Confirm current City standards.
- Junior ADUs (JADUs) have their own rules: within the existing home, 500 sq ft or less.
Common reasons permits get delayed
Incomplete drawings, setback or height violations, utility or fire access issues, and slow correction turnaround. A builder who knows San Diego’s DSD process avoids most of these.
Do not navigate this alone
Experienced local ADU builders handle permitting end to end and know the City’s reviewers. Get matched with up to 3 vetted San Diego ADU builders who handle permits