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Attached ADU Drafting & Permitting in San Diego

Transform your property with expert ADU drafting and seamless permitting services in San Diego.

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Latest Projects

Explore Our San Diego ADU Projects

Browse our ADU portfolio, where each design maximizes space, meets regulations, and reflects each homeowner's vision.

  • 1,232 sf
  • 2 Beds
  • 2 Baths
ADU New Construction in Rosehill
Detached ADU

ADU New Construction in Rosehill

  • 425 sf
  • 1 Bed
  • 1 Bath
ADU New Construction in Saratoga
Attached ADU

ADU New Construction in Saratoga

  • 1,110 sf
  • 2 beds
  • 2 baths
ADU Garage Conversion in Louisiana
Detached ADU

ADU Garage Conversion in Louisiana

Hear from Our Satisfied Clients

Browse stories from San Diego homeowners who transformed their properties with our attached ADU services. These testimonials speak volumes about our dedication to quality.

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Unlock your property’s potential with tailored design and permitting solutions. Contact our architectural firm now to get started.

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About

Your Attached ADU Experts in San Diego

At Streamline Design & Permitting, we transform property challenges into opportunities. How can we help? We navigate attached ADU design and permitting with precision and expertise, and are committed to your satisfaction throughout the process.

As your trusted resource, we guide every project — whether for additional living space, rental income, or family accommodations — ensuring your plans meet local requirements while helping you achieve your personal goals.

Expert Builders We Recommend

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Zoning Regulations for Attached ADUs in San Diego

In San Diego, zoning regulations for attached Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are designed to promote housing flexibility while maintaining neighborhood character.

According to the City of San Diego, an attached ADU must have a minimum gross floor area of 150 square feet and can be up to 1,200 square feet. However, if the ADU is constructed within an existing structure or accessory building, it isn’t subject to the 1,200-square-foot maximum.

Setback requirements vary based on the nature of the construction. It may maintain its current setbacks if an existing structure is converted into an ADU. For new constructions or additions, the ADU must observe the zone’s setbacks in the front and street side yard. Side and rear yard setbacks can be reduced to zero feet if the ADU is one story and 16 feet or less; otherwise, a minimum of four feet is required.

Parking requirements for ADUs have been relaxed to encourage development. Generally, no additional parking is required for new ADUs, except in specific areas like the Beach Impact area of the Parking Impact Overlay Zone that are outside a transit priority area. Moreover, replacement parking isn’t mandated if a garage or carport is demolished or converted into an ADU.

Benefits of an Attached ADU in San Diego

San Diego homeowners continue to discover the advantages of adding attached ADUs to their properties, creating versatile living solutions that enhance lifestyle and property value.

  • Lower Development Costs

    Attached ADUs typically cost less to build than detached units since they leverage existing structural elements. You can significantly reduce construction expenses by sharing walls, foundation, and potentially systems with your main home. This efficient approach maximizes your investment while minimizing disruption to your property.

  • Multigenerational Living Solutions

    Many San Diego families choose attached ADUs to accommodate aging parents or adult children. This arrangement provides privacy and independence while maintaining proximity for care, support, and family connection. The shared wall creates a perfect balance—separate living spaces with immediate accessibility when needed.

  • Income Potential

    An attached ADU offers excellent rental income opportunities in San Diego’s competitive housing market. Whether for long-term tenants or vacation rentals, these units provide consistent revenue while addressing the city's housing shortage. The convenient connection to your main home also simplifies property management and maintenance.

  • Property Value Enhancement

    Looking to build more property value? Adding an attached ADU substantially increases your property's market value and appeal to future buyers. San Diego's real estate market particularly values these versatile living spaces, making them an excellent long-term investment that pays dividends in both immediate utility and future returns.

  • Community Benefits

    Your attached ADU contributes to San Diego's housing diversity, creating more affordable living options while maintaining neighborhood character. These additions support sustainable urban density without requiring new infrastructure, benefiting residents and the broader community through more efficient land use.

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What Is an Attached ADU?

An attached accessory dwelling unit seamlessly connects to your existing home through a shared wall, creating additional living space without the separation of a standalone structure. These home additions typically extend from the side or rear of your primary residence, though some homeowners opt for second-story expansions.

With an attached ADU, you maintain the convenience of proximity while gaining flexibility—you can choose to share utilities and systems with your main home or install independent connections for more autonomy. This approach maximizes your property's potential while preserving yard space.

Planning Your Attached ADU Project

When considering an attached ADU for your San Diego property, several important factors should be part of your planning process. We know this process can be overwhelming, but our architectural team at ADU Drafting & Permitting in San Diego guides you through these considerations to ensure a successful project.

  • Design Integration

    Your attached ADU should complement your existing home while maximizing functionality. Our design experts carefully consider architectural harmony, space optimization, and future needs when creating your plans. We help you envision how the new space connects to your home while maintaining distinct living areas.

  • Permitting Navigation

    Getting the right permits is a critical step that requires expertise. San Diego's regulations for attached ADUs involve specific requirements that our team thoroughly understands. We handle the entire permitting process, from initial application to final approval, ensuring compliance while saving you time and frustration.

  • Budget Considerations

    Investment in an attached ADU depends on size and features. Our detailed planning process helps you understand all costs upfront, including materials, labor, permits, and potential utility connections. We’re always mindful of your budget constraints while maximizing value.

  • Construction Coordination

    Working with reliable ADU builders is essential for quality results. We partner with trusted San Diego contractors specializing in attached ADU construction, ensuring your project is built to specification, on time, and within budget. We collaborate with these professionals to create a seamless experience from design to completion.

  • Property Utilization

    When repurposing existing spaces like garages, we help develop creative storage solutions to maintain functionality throughout your property. Our designs thoughtfully address how the new living arrangement will impact your daily life and property usage.

  • Ongoing Management

    If you're planning to rent your ADU, we provide guidance on creating spaces that attract quality tenants while being manageable for you as a property owner. Our designs incorporate features that make maintenance efficient and tenant management straightforward.

Begin Your Attached ADU Design Now

Request your free estimate today and start transforming your San Diego home with a seamless attached ADU design and permitting process.

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Process

The ADU Process: Our Commitment to Excellence

At our architectural company, we pride ourselves on delivering seamless architectural documentation from concept to permit approval. Here’s what you can expect from our team:

  • Step 1

    Vision to Design

    We transform your vision into comprehensive, code-compliant designs.

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  • Step 2

    Collaborative Refinement

    Our expert team coordinates with specialized consultants to refine your project.

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  • Step 3

    Navigating Regulations

    We navigate the complex regulatory landscape to secure necessary approvals.

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  • Step 4

    Transparent Communication

    Throughout the process, we maintain transparent communication and meticulous attention to detail.

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  • Step 5

    Complete Permit Packages

    We deliver complete permit packages that set the foundation for successful construction.

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Why Us

Why Clients Trust Streamline Design & Permitting

When architectural challenges arise, our specialized knowledge becomes your greatest asset:

  • Innovative Solutions

    We transform complex problems into innovative, code-compliant solutions through decades of combined experience.

  • Strategic Regulatory Navigation

    We navigate regulatory frameworks strategically, ensuring efficient project approval.

  • Timely Deliverables

    Our documentation process meets critical deadlines, preventing costly construction delays.

  • Cost-Effective Investment

    Our services represent a small fraction of project costs while delivering significant value through avoided revisions and construction issues.

  • Proven Expertise

    Initial consultations demonstrate our technical expertise and commitment to your success.

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Discover how easy it is to add living space — request your free attached ADU design estimate today.

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FAQ

FAQ About ADUs Attached to a House

  • 01

    How much value does an attached ADU add?

    Adding an attached ADU typically enhances your property's market value by approximately 30 percent. For perspective, if your San Diego home is currently valued at $750,000, incorporating an attached ADU could potentially increase your property's worth by around $225,000 — a substantial return on your investment while providing additional living space or income opportunities.

  • 02

    How much does an attached ADU cost in San Diego?

    It depends on various factors. Attached ADUs represent a valuable investment in your property's functionality and value. In the San Diego market, you can expect to invest approximately $200,000 to $350,000 for a quality attached ADU, with final costs influenced by size, design complexity, interior finishes, and site conditions. While costs vary by neighborhood and specific requirements, our experienced team provides detailed estimates tailored to your unique project parameters.

  • 03

    Does an attached ADU count as square footage?

    Yes, an attached ADU is calculated as additional livable square footage for your property. This square footage enhancement directly contributes to your home's value and marketability. Since attached ADUs share at least one wall with your primary residence, they typically add more value per square foot than detached structures, while maintaining their distinct functionality as a separate living unit with independent access and amenities.

  • 04

    What is the maximum size for an attached ADU in San Diego?

    The maximum allowed size for attached ADUs in San Diego is typically 50 percent of your existing primary residence's living area. While detached ADUs are capped at 1,200 square feet regardless of the main home's size, attached ADUs follow this proportional guideline to ensure they stay secondary to the principal dwelling. Rely on our design team to expertly maximize your available square footage while ensuring compliance with these local regulations.

  • 05

    Can I sell my attached ADU separately from my main house under AB 1033?

    Possibly, but only if the City of San Diego adopts a local ordinance under AB 1033 allowing such sales. If enacted, your attached ADU and main home could be sold separately as condominiums — provided the property meets zoning, permitting, and subdivision map requirements. Until then, separate sales are not automatically permitted.