Choose the property’s City
San Diego County contains 18 incorporated cities. Each City page is separate because local application steps, fees, departments and special-area reviews can differ.
CarlsbadCity ADU starting pageChula VistaCity ADU starting pageCoronadoCity ADU starting pageDel MarCity ADU starting pageEl CajonCity ADU starting pageEncinitasCity ADU starting pageEscondidoCity ADU starting pageImperial BeachCity ADU starting pageLa MesaCity ADU starting pageLemon GroveCity ADU starting pageNational CityCity ADU starting pageOceansideCity ADU starting pagePowayCity ADU starting pageSan DiegoCity ADU starting pageSan MarcosCity ADU starting pageSanteeCity ADU starting pageSolana BeachCity ADU starting pageVistaCity ADU starting page
Is the property outside a City?
If the parcel is in an unincorporated area, the County is the local starting point. Confirm the parcel jurisdiction before using County instructions; a postal address can still name a nearby City.
What to ask in the first conversation
Can I build it?Confirm jurisdiction, property constraints and a workable ADU type.
What could it cost?Request an early total-budget range, including design, permits, utilities and construction.
How long could it take?Separate design and review time from construction time.
Sources and review status
The City list was checked on . Each City guide includes contacts, permit information and official resources.