Review
Collect notices, records, photos, and available plans.
Unpermitted ADU permit assistance
A practical path from code-enforcement case to permit.
Existing conditions, permit history, zoning, construction quality, and agency requirements all shape the solution. Bennett Design Studio evaluates the property and prepares the architectural documents needed for the defined approval path.
16City of San Diego code-enforcement ADU cases permitted since 2024
Past results do not guarantee a permit or the same outcome for another property.Preliminary case review
First, understand what exists and what the City may require.
Code-enforcement projects often need more investigation than a new ADU. A preliminary review helps identify records, visible conditions, likely consultants, and major approval issues before the production scope is established.
Permit history and available property records
Existing layout, use, utilities, access, and egress
Zoning, setbacks, parking, and site constraints
Structural, fire, energy, and MEP concerns
Possible survey, engineering, testing, or specialty consultants
Potential correction, reconstruction, or removal of noncompliant work
Clear steps, with the scope defined before production begins.
Assess
Document conditions and identify major code or zoning issues.
Scope
Define drawings, consultants, testing, and agency coordination.
Produce
Prepare the agreed architectural plan set for submittal.
Respond
Address agency comments under the correction terms in the agreement.
Important project condition
Not every existing conversion can be approved as built.
The reviewing agency may require opening concealed construction, testing, engineering, upgrades, reconstruction, or removal of work that cannot be documented or brought into compliance. Those requirements are controlled by the jurisdiction and are outside the designer’s control.
Consultants, investigations, permit fees, agency coordination, and construction are separate from the defined architectural production scope unless specifically included in writing.
Start with the records you already have.
Send the property address, code-enforcement notice, available plans, and a short description of the existing space.