Design Trends

Expand Your Home with a JADU in San Diego

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9 min read

JADUs are becoming increasingly popular in San Diego as a way to provide affordable housing for families, create rental income, or accommodate aging parents. But building a junior ADU comes with different rules and regulations surrounding it.

JADU Requirements in San Diego

Before beginning construction, it’s important to understand the local zoning ordinances and building codes that regulate JADUs. These regulations vary depending on the zone, property characteristics, and other factors. The table below provides key information about the legal requirements for constructing a Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit (JADU) in San Diego. This information for the chart was obtained from Accessory Dwelling Unit/Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit InformationBulletin 400 and San Diego’s Accessory Dwelling Unit/Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit Page.

Construction work on a two-story home in San Diego, adding a junior ADU to expand living space and increase property value through an attached accessory unit.

Carefully planned construction ensures your junior ADU blends seamlessly with your existing home design.

How to Build a Junior ADU in San Diego

Building a JADU can seem daunting, but with the right information and resources, it can be a manageable and rewarding project. Here is a more detailed overview of the steps involved:

Obtain Permits

You will need to obtain the necessary permits from the City of San Diego before building a junior ADU San Diego property. The type of permits you need will depend on the scope of your project, but generally, a building permit for a JADU in San Diego will cost between $2,000 to $6,000.

Close-up of wood framing in progress for the interior of a junior ADU in a San Diego residence, showing structural work before drywall installation.

The framing stage is crucial for ensuring a solid foundation for your junior ADU in San Diego.

Work with Junior ADU San Diego professionals

As ADU builders in San Diego, we will help you with the permit process, ensure all work is up to code, and complete the project on time and within budget.

Choose the Right Type of JADU

There are several types of JADUs to choose from, including attached JADUs, detached JADUs, and garage conversions. Consider the size of your lot, your budget, and your specific needs when choosing the type of JADU that’s right for you.

Partially framed exterior of a junior ADU unit in a San Diego backyard, emphasizing early construction stages of this compact living space.

Exterior framing is an essential step in building a durable and visually appealing junior ADU.

Consider the Costs

The cost of building a Junior ADU San Diego property will vary depending on several factors, including the type of JADU, the size of the unit, and the materials used. On average, a JADU in San Diego can cost anywhere from $100,000 to $300,000. However, a JADU can also provide rental income and increase the value of your property, making it a smart investment in the long run.

Type of JADUPotential ROI
Attached8-10%
Detached10-12%
Garage conversion8-12%

Junior ADU San Diego Permits

The types of permits you need to obtain will depend on the scope of your project. In general, a building permit is required for construction work that involves altering, adding, or removing structural elements of a building. Additionally, if the JADU is rented out, a business license may be required.

Aerial view of backyard foundation work in San Diego for a junior ADU project, highlighting the early construction phase of an accessory dwelling unit.

A solid foundation is critical for the stability and longevity of your junior ADU project.

The cost of permits for building a JADU in San Diego will depend on the scope of your project. Generally, a building permit alone can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $8,000. Electrical and plumbing permits can cost an additional $500 to $1,500 each, while a mechanical permit can cost around $100.

Aerial shot of a San Diego home with rooftop solar panels and construction work on a junior ADU, showcasing sustainable building practices.

Combining solar panels with a junior ADU enhances sustainability while providing additional living space.

Collaborate with our Junior ADU San Diego specialists

When considering building a JADU, it’s important to do your research and consult with experienced professionals such as licensed contractors and permit expediters. Our Junior ADU San Diego experts at Better Place Design & Build will work with you from start to finish for the best ADU property. Just take the first step and contact us today.

FAQs

Yes, but the size and type of JADU that you can build may be limited by the size of your lot and the zoning regulations in your area.

On average, it can take anywhere from 4 to 12 months to complete a JADU in San Diego.

No, JADUs are only allowed on residential lots. You cannot build a JADU on a lot that is zoned for commercial use.

No, there are no income restrictions for renting out a JADU in San Diego.

There are no tax incentives at the federal level, but some state and local governments may offer incentives for building accessory dwelling units.

It depends. If the lot has a historic designation, you may need to get additional approvals before building a JADU.

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