San Diego County ADU Guide

Lemon Grove

Under AB 1332 the City operates a preapproved ADU plan program with a streamlined 30-day approval for preapproved plans.

Official source verified 2026-08-16Official jurisdiction resource ↗
01 / Plan path

Choose the right production starting point.

Under AB 1332 the City operates a preapproved ADU plan program with a streamlined 30-day approval for preapproved plans.

Express PlanStarting at $4,500

For a qualifying jurisdiction preapproved plan adapted into the property-specific architectural production set.

Custom PlanStarting at $6,500

For an original floor plan and architectural production set developed around the property and homeowner.

02 / Size + fee checkpoints

Size affects more than floor area.

City materials state that development standards may not prohibit an ADU up to 16 feet in height with a floor area up to 800 square feet and four-foot side and rear yards. Larger units are governed by the local ordinance and require confirmation.

City materials indicate ADUs do not require public street dedication, street improvements or landscape improvements. Confirm current fees with the Building Division at 619-825-3800.
500 SFConfirm school-fee assessment rules750 SFState impact-fee protection checkpoint1,000 SFTwo-bedroom state minimum allowance1,200 SFCommon local upper-range checkpoint
03 / Site conditions

Property conditions can change the path.

  • Whether a preapproved plan suits the lot
  • Zoning and lot configuration
  • Fire access and utility service
  • Existing dwelling and utility records
04 / Consultant screen

Likely disciplines to evaluate.

  • Structural engineering
  • Title 24 energy documentation
  • Survey where boundaries require it
  • Civil or geotechnical review when triggered

Consultants are retained only when required by the property, design, or reviewing agency. Their proposals and coordination are separate from the architectural production fee unless stated otherwise in the agreement.

05 / Property-specific next step

Turn the guide into a preliminary project report.

Enter the address to screen jurisdiction, mapped constraints, likely agencies, drawing requirements, consultants, and the preliminary fee path.

Check the property →Email Bennett Design Studio →
Important: This guide is general planning information, not a zoning determination, permit approval, fee quote, or guarantee of feasibility. Current parcel records, adopted codes, agency interpretations, utility requirements, site investigation, and written agency confirmation control.