Pre-Approved ADU Plans in Encinitas, California

Lot must be residentially zoned and have an existing single-family home, duplex, multifamily or mixed-use development.

Source

Accessory Dwelling Units | City of Encinitas

Last checked

May 1, 2026

Notes

Not listed in source

A site-specific plan showing the location of the preapproved ADU must be prepared and submitted.

Source

Accessory Dwelling Units | City of Encinitas

Last checked

May 1, 2026

Notes

Not listed in source

Project must comply with all Fire Department requirements.

Source

Accessory Dwelling Units | City of Encinitas

Last checked

May 1, 2026

Notes

Not listed in source

Modifications to City-approved PRADU plans are not permitted; modified plans require the plan preparer and standard plan check review.

Source

Accessory Dwelling Units | City of Encinitas

Last checked

May 1, 2026

Notes

Not listed in source

Site-specific slope analysis may be required; projects in the Hillside/Inland Bluff Overlay Zone must comply with steep-slope encroachment limits.

Source

Accessory Dwelling Units | City of Encinitas

Last checked

May 1, 2026

Notes

Not listed in source

No owner occupancy requirement for ADUs.

Source

City of Encinitas ADU and JADU Guide (PLN-118)

Last checked

May 1, 2026

Notes

From City ADU and JADU Guide, page 3.

Owner occupancy required in either the primary dwelling unit or JADU if the JADU does not have its own sanitation facilities.

Source

City of Encinitas ADU and JADU Guide (PLN-118)

Last checked

May 1, 2026

Notes

From City ADU and JADU Guide, page 3.

One parking space per ADU unless an exemption applies, including within one-half mile of public transit; JADU parking not required.

Source

City of Encinitas ADU and JADU Guide (PLN-118)

Last checked

May 1, 2026

Notes

From City ADU and JADU Guide, page 3.

Underlying zone setback or 4 feet, whichever is less.

Source

City of Encinitas ADU and JADU Guide (PLN-118)

Last checked

May 1, 2026

Notes

From City ADU and JADU Guide, pages 1-2.

Underlying zone setback; may be reduced to accommodate a minimum 800 sq. ft. unit if no other options exist.

Source

City of Encinitas ADU and JADU Guide (PLN-118)

Last checked

May 1, 2026

Notes

From City ADU and JADU Guide, pages 1-2.

Maximum 1,200 sq. ft. or primary dwelling living area, whichever is less; minimum state-protected sizes may apply for small primary homes.

Source

City of Encinitas ADU and JADU Guide (PLN-118)

Last checked

May 1, 2026

Notes

From City ADU and JADU Guide, page 1.

500 sq. ft. maximum and contained entirely within a single-family dwelling or attached garage.

Source

City of Encinitas ADU and JADU Guide (PLN-118)

Last checked

May 1, 2026

Notes

From City ADU and JADU Guide, page 3.

Detached ADUs using reduced setbacks are generally limited to 16 ft, or 18 ft within one-half mile of major transit with possible 20 ft roof-pitch allowance; other height rules depend on zone and configuration.

Source

City of Encinitas ADU and JADU Guide (PLN-118)

Last checked

May 1, 2026

Notes

From City ADU and JADU Guide, page 2.

ADUs and JADUs shall not be used or rented as short-term rentals; rental term may be 30 days or greater.

Source

City of Encinitas ADU and JADU Guide (PLN-118)

Last checked

May 1, 2026

Notes

From City ADU and JADU Guide, page 3.

CDP required for ADUs/JADUs not completely contained in an existing primary structure, for habitable-area increases, conversions of non-habitable space, and detached units in the coastal zone.

Source

City of Encinitas ADU and JADU Guide (PLN-118)

Last checked

May 1, 2026

Notes

From City ADU and JADU Guide, pages 3-4.

ADU covenant required and must address separate sale, short-term rental, and size restrictions.

Source

City of Encinitas ADU and JADU Guide (PLN-118)

Last checked

May 1, 2026

Notes

From City ADU and JADU Guide, page 4.

ADUs over 500 sq. ft. require a geotechnical report unless waived; additional site-specific conditions may require one.

Source

Building Plan Review Submittal Guidelines Accessory Dwelling Unit

Last checked

May 1, 2026

Notes

Not listed in source

For properties served by septic systems, septic layout approval from San Diego County Department of Environmental Health and Quality is required.

Source

Building Plan Review Submittal Guidelines Accessory Dwelling Unit

Last checked

May 1, 2026

Notes

Not listed in source

All work within the public right-of-way requires a right-of-way permit.

Source

Building Plan Review Submittal Guidelines Accessory Dwelling Unit

Last checked

May 1, 2026

Notes

Not listed in source

PRADU application materials are submitted through the Customer Self-Service Portal.

Source

City of Encinitas PRADU Submittal Guide

Last checked

May 1, 2026

Notes

Not listed in source

Preapproved plan submissions must include an automatic fire sprinkler system and a note that sprinklers are not required for an ADU if the existing primary unit has no fire sprinklers.

Source

Preapproved Permit Ready Accessory Dwelling Unit (PRADU) Process Guide

Last checked

May 1, 2026

Notes

Applies to outside/private-party preapproved PRADU plan submissions.

Private-party preapproved plan submissions must include Title 24 energy compliance documentation.

Source

Preapproved Permit Ready Accessory Dwelling Unit (PRADU) Process Guide

Last checked

May 1, 2026

Notes

Applies to outside/private-party preapproved PRADU plan submissions.

Lot must be residentially zoned with an existing single-family home, duplex, multifamily, or mixed-use development.

Source

Accessory Dwelling Units

Last checked

May 1, 2026

Notes

Not listed in source

A site-specific plan showing the ADU location is required in addition to the preapproved PRADU master plan.

Source

Accessory Dwelling Units

Last checked

May 1, 2026

Notes

Not listed in source

Modifications to City-approved plans are not permitted; any modification must go through standard plan check.

Source

Accessory Dwelling Units

Last checked

May 1, 2026

Notes

Not listed in source

Project must comply with all Fire Department requirements.

Source

Accessory Dwelling Units

Last checked

May 1, 2026

Notes

Not listed in source

A site-specific slope analysis may be required; HIBO limitations apply to natural steep slopes of 25% or greater.

Source

Accessory Dwelling Units

Last checked

May 1, 2026

Notes

Not listed in source

PRADU Submittal Guide lists seven steps from obtaining materials through permit release, construction, inspection, and occupancy.

Source

PRADU Submittal Guide

Last checked

May 1, 2026

Notes

Not listed in source

Beginning January 1, 2025, private parties may submit ADU master plans for preapproval under AB 1332.

Source

Accessory Dwelling Units

Last checked

May 1, 2026

Notes

Not listed in source

All Development Services Department fees waived.

Source

City of Encinitas ADU and JADU Guide (PLN-118)

Last checked

May 1, 2026

Notes

Exact dollar amount not stated.

School fees apply to units over 500 sq. ft.

Source

City of Encinitas ADU and JADU Guide (PLN-118)

Last checked

May 1, 2026

Notes

Exact dollar amount not stated.

Utility hook-up fees apply but must be proportionate to burden based on square footage and plumbing fixtures compared with the primary dwelling.

Source

City of Encinitas ADU and JADU Guide (PLN-118)

Last checked

May 1, 2026

Notes

Exact dollar amount not stated.

Plan review and inspection fees waived except required State fees, postage fees if CDP required, and covenant recordation fees with the San Diego County Recorder.

Source

Accessory Dwelling Units | City of Encinitas

Last checked

May 1, 2026

Notes

Exact dollar amount not stated.

Fees for review of plans for a preapproved PRADU plan are assessed at regular service rates for Building, Land Development, Engineering, and Fire Prevention.

Source

Preapproved Permit Ready Accessory Dwelling Unit (PRADU) Process Guide

Last checked

May 1, 2026

Notes

Applies to designers/architects/private parties seeking plan preapproval.

Separate deposit required for OMWD review; fees collected separately by OMWD.

Source

Preapproved Permit Ready Accessory Dwelling Unit (PRADU) Process Guide

Last checked

May 1, 2026

Notes

Applies where OMWD review is required.

Plan revision fees assessed for City review and approval of updated plans.

Source

Preapproved Permit Ready Accessory Dwelling Unit (PRADU) Process Guide

Last checked

May 1, 2026

Notes

Applies to preapproved PRADU plan revisions.

Plan review and inspection fees are waived except State fees, postage fees if Coastal Development Permit is required, and County Recorder fees for covenant recordation; school and water/sewer agency fees may apply.

Source

Accessory Dwelling Units

Last checked

May 1, 2026

Notes

Not listed in source