San Diego County ADU Guide

Solana Beach

The City operates a Pre-Approved Accessory Dwelling Unit Program and publishes an ADU submittal process and basic plan requirements document.

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

Choose the right production starting point.

The City operates a Pre-Approved Accessory Dwelling Unit Program and publishes an ADU submittal process and basic plan requirements document.

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 Municipal Code permits one single-family residence, one ADU and one JADU per lot. Parking is not required for a junior ADU. ADU provisions were most recently amended by Ordinance 525.

The City asks ADU applicants to submit a Housing Affordability Tracking Form. Confirm current fees with the Planning Division.
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.

  • Coastal Development Permit requirements
  • Bluff, drainage and geologic conditions
  • Zoning and lot configuration
  • Fire access and utility service
04 / Consultant screen

Likely disciplines to evaluate.

  • Structural engineering
  • Title 24 energy documentation
  • Survey
  • Coastal or geotechnical consultation 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.