San Diego, CA
San Diego ADU Permit: do you likely need a permit?
San Diego requires a building permit for every ADU or JADU; coastal, parking, FAR, and conversion rules can change the path.
What the official sources say
San Diego Information Bulletin 400 says a Building Permit is required to create an ADU or JADU and that there are no exemptions. The bulletin includes permit process, fees, general regulations, coastal development permit rules, parking rules, JADU size limits, and conversion/demolition parking notes.
Likely permit path
- Building Permit or Combination Building Permit depending on the number of units created.
- Coastal Development Permit for many ADU/JADU projects in the Coastal Overlay Zone.
- Trade permits and code compliance for electrical, plumbing, mechanical, energy, and room-dimension requirements.
Watch-outs
- San Diego says ADU/JADU building permits have no exemptions.
- Coastal Overlay Zone and Beach Impact Area rules can affect coastal permits and parking.
- Garage/carport conversion parking replacement is generally not required except specific coastal/parking overlay cases.
Documents to gather
- Property location, overlay checks, ADU/JADU type, size, and floor plan.
- Coastal/parking overlay status, FAR notes, and whether non-habitable space is being converted.
- Trade scope, utility details, and existing dwelling/addition information.
Questions to ask before applying
- Is this an ADU, JADU, attached ADU, detached ADU, garage conversion, or non-rental habitable-space conversion?
- What zoning district, overlays, coastal/historic/flood/fire conditions, HOA limits, or deed restrictions apply to the property?
- Will the unit include independent living, sleeping, cooking, and sanitation facilities?
- What building, zoning, trade, utility, addressing, parking, inspection, and certificate-of-occupancy steps apply before occupancy or rental use?
Official sources
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PermitCheckup provides informational permit-readiness guidance based on public sources. It is not legal, architectural, engineering, or contractor advice. Always confirm your project with the authority having jurisdiction before beginning work.