The Southwest Builders
What are the requirements to build an ADU in Encinitas?
Building an ADU in Encinitas is an excellent strategy for increasing your living space and offering affordable housing for adult children as they move towards independent living. To ensure the success of your ADU project, it is essential to understand the local regulations that apply to your property and to assess the financial viability of constructing an ADU in Encinitas City. This guide provides an overview of Encinitas's ADU requirements and important financial factors to help you plan and execute your project efficiently.
ADU regulations for properties with a single-family home
How many ADUs can you build in Encinitas?
In Encinitas, you can have a maximum of one ADU for each existing or proposed single-family home, whether attached or detached from the primary building.
How large can an attached ADU be in Encinitas?
The maximum size an attached ADU in a single-family property can be is 1,200 square feet, or the total living area of the primary dwelling, whichever is smaller. However, when the primary dwelling unit is smaller than certain sizes, the ADU has specific limits:
- For studios and 1-bedroom units, the maximum size is 850 square feet.
- For units with more than 1 bedroom, the maximum size is 1,000 square feet.
How large can a detached ADU be in Encinitas?
Similar to attached ADUs, detached ADUs in a single-family property cannot be larger than 1,200 square feet or the total living area of the primary dwelling, whichever is lesser. Yet, if the main dwelling is below certain sizes, the ADU has set restrictions:
- Studios and 1-bedroom units are capped at 850 square feet.
- Units with more than 1 bedroom are limited to 1,000 square feet.
Can I build a 2-story ADU in Encinitas?
Yes. ADUs in the City of Encinitas are limited to 2 stories, and there's also the option to build an ADU above an existing or proposed garage.
Is there a minimum size for an ADU?
Yes, there is a minimum size requirement for an ADU, which is 190 square feet.
Can I convert the existing space to an ADU?
Yes, existing spaces can be converted into an ADU.
What is the maximum height for an ADU?
For attached ADUs in zones RR to RR-1 and R-30, the height limit is 25 feet. In zones RR-2 to R-25, it's 22 feet.
For detached ADUs, the maximum height is 16 feet, or if the property is within half a mile of major transit, it's 18 feet. If the detached ADU aligns with the roof pitch of the primary dwelling unit, it can go up to 20 feet.
ADU regulations for properties with a multi-family building
How many ADUs does Encinitas allow for multifamily properties?
Encinitas allows for two detached ADUs or converting non-habitable space into at least one ADU, with the potential for up to 25 percent of the existing residential units.
How large can an attached ADU for a multifamily building be in Encinitas?
An attached ADU on a multi-family property cannot be larger than 1,200 square feet or the total living area of the primary dwelling, whichever is less. However, when the primary dwelling unit is below certain sizes, specific restrictions apply to the ADU:
• Studios and 1-bedroom units have a maximum size of 850 square feet.
• Units with more than 1 bedroom have a maximum size of 1,000 square feet.
How large can a detached ADU for a multifamily building be in Encinitas?
Detached ADUs in a multi-family property should adhere to the same size restrictions as attached ADUs: they cannot be larger than 1,200 square feet or the total living area of the primary dwelling, whichever is smaller. However, when the primary dwelling unit is smaller than certain sizes, the ADU has specific limits:
- For studios and 1-bedroom units, the maximum size is 850 square feet.
- For units with more than 1 bedroom, the maximum size is 1,000 square feet.
Can I stack detached ADUs on top of each other?
No, Encinitas did not mention the stacking of ADUs on top of each other.
Can I attach two ADUs to each other?
No, you cannot attach two ADUs. An ADU can only be built alongside an existing or proposed primary unit on a single-family lot.
Can I convert the existing space to an ADU?
Yes, existing space can be converted into an ADU in multifamily properties.
What is the maximum height for an ADU on a property with a multi-family building
For properties with multifamily buildings, the maximum height for an ADU is generally 16 feet. However, if the property is within half a mile of major transit, the height can be increased to 18 feet, or up to 20 feet if it aligns with the roof pitch of the primary dwelling unit.
On a lot with an existing or proposed multistory dwelling, the maximum height for the ADU is 18 feet.
What ADU types are allowed to build in Encinitas?
In Encinitas, homeowners can choose from various ADU types:
A. Detached ADU: A standalone structure separate from the main house.
B. Attached ADU: A living unit that is physically joined to the primary home.
C. Converted ADU: Altering unused spaces like garages or sheds into livable areas, complete with kitchens and bathrooms.
Homeowners can either build a new ADU or repurpose an existing building. Converting structures like garages or sheds may reduce zoning constraints, such as setbacks or height limits, and allow for more compact projects. However, upgrading older buildings could uncover hidden issues that might raise costs.
ADU setbacks from the property lines and other buildings
What are the required setbacks for an ADU in Encinitas?
The minimum setback for ADUs is at least 4 feet from the side or rear lot lines. The city has not specified setbacks for corner or through lots.
What is the minimum distance the ADU must have from the existing structures?
For detached dwellings, there should be at least a 6-foot gap between the ADU and the existing house, with the eaves having at least 4 feet of space between them.
Are setbacks required when converting existing structures into ADU?
No setbacks are needed if the ADU is made by converting existing space entirely within the existing primary residence or an existing accessory structure.
Can I build an ADU in the front yard of my house in Encinitas?
In Encinitas, placing an ADU in the front yard is allowed only if there are no other suitable areas on the property for an ADU of at least 800 square feet. It's essential to comply with the necessary zoning setback requirements.
Design requirements for ADU
How many bedrooms can an ADU have?
At least one bedroom if not proposed as a studio unit.
Does an ADU need to have a kitchen?
Yes, full kitchen facilities are required for ADUs as opposed to JADUs’ efficiency kitchens.
Does an ADU require independent utility meters?
An ADU typically does not require independent utility meters, as it's not treated as a completely new residence. However, if built with a new single-family home, it may need its meters. Utility fees for the ADU are based on its impact on the water or sewer system.
What is the minimum ceiling height?
In Encinitas, the California Building Code specifies that living areas in new units, including ADUs, should have a ceiling height of at least 7 feet.
Find out the maximum ADU size for your property here
The parking requirements for ADU
What is the parking requirement for an ADU in Encinitas?
An ADU requires one parking space in Encinitas.
Where can I have a parking space on my property?
A parking space for an ADU can be located through tandem parking on an existing driveway or within setback areas.
How to get permits for your ADU
How long does it take to get an ADU permit in Encinitas?
The permitting process generally takes around 3.5 to 4 months. Once the permit drawings are ready, either you or your architect must submit them for a Plan Check. It's advisable to arrange a pre-submission meeting with a city planner to ensure your application is in order.
After submission and payment of the required fees, the city has 60 calendar days to determine if your application is complete. If no response is given within that period, your permit is automatically approved. If corrections are requested, your designer will need to make the changes and resubmit. The application must demonstrate compliance with ADU requirements. Missing information won't result in a denial, but it should be addressed. The estimated cost for a Plan Check for ADU projects in Encinitas is around $842.
Does Encinitas require in-person submission of plans for an ADU?
No. Encinitas doesn't require in-person submission of plans for ADUs. Instead, through the PRADU Program, property owners can download pre-approved building plans. These plans are customizable, allowing for personalization while maintaining community character. The program expedites the process, reduces fees, and supports the city's goal of offering diverse housing options.
Does Encinitas require coastal development permits?
Yes. If ADU is not fully integrated into the primary dwelling, involves expanding living space, or converts non-living areas, a coastal development permit or administrative coastal development permit is required.
When do you need a licensed professional to design an ADU in Encinitas?
In Encinitas, the requirement for a licensed professional to design an ADU is based on the complexity of the project.
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How much does it cost to build an ADU in Encinitas?
In Encinitas, the average construction cost for building an ADU is around $325 per square foot. This estimate should also account for soft costs such as permits, architects, and engineers. For instance, for a 900-square-foot ADU, the total project cost, including both hard and soft costs, is approximately $330,000.
Is it profitable to build an ADU in Encinitas?
Profitability depends on construction costs in your chosen city and the real estate market values in the area. In Encinitas, a 900-square-foot ADU carries an estimated market value of about $700,000. With the total project cost for such an ADU at roughly $330,000, this translates to a potential return on investment (ROI) of around 110%.
Evaluating profitability can also consider factors like generating rental income versus costs or enhancing lifestyle goals such as accommodating relatives on the same property.
Can you sell an ADU in Encinitas?
Under California's AB 1033, local authorities can create rules for selling ADUs and primary homes as condominiums, as long as they adhere to existing development standards.
In Encinitas, the sale of ADUs is governed by local laws. An ADU may be sold if it was built by a certified nonprofit organization, if there is a legitimate tenancy-in-common agreement, or if the city approves the separate sale of the ADU and the primary residence as individual condominiums.
Are ADUs rent-controlled in Encinitas?
No, ADUs in the city are exempt from rent control as they are categorized as new structures. According to AB 1482, landlords can annually increase rents, but this rule applies to buildings that are a minimum of 15 years old.
How do I get money to build an ADU in Encinitas?
Applications for the ADU Grant Program, managed by the California Housing Finance Agency (Cal HFA), are open. This program offers up to $40,000 for pre-development and one-time closing expenses linked to ADU construction. Pre-development expenses cover site preparation, architectural designs, permits, soil testing, impact fees, property surveys, and energy reports.
Find out how much value an ADU could add to your property.
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