San Diego County ADU Guide

Santee

The City publishes standard ADU plans, submittal checklists and permit guidance documents.

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

Choose the right production starting point.

The City publishes standard ADU plans, submittal checklists and permit guidance documents.

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.

The City reports amending its ADU ordinance in 2021 to increase the maximum ADU size to 1,200 square feet and to remove the two-bedroom limit, with further amendments in December 2022 for consistency with state law.

Fees require confirmation with Planning at planning@cityofsanteeca.gov or 619-258-4100. The City also publishes an SB 9 guide for lot-split and two-unit questions.
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.

  • Zoning and lot configuration
  • Whether a standard ADU plan suits the lot
  • Fire access and water supply
  • Flood and drainage conditions along the San Diego River corridor
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.