The formal authorizations you must obtain from the City to build this project — the permits and approvals it will issue. These are what you apply for and receive.
Building Permit (Combination)Required
A combination building permit covers structural, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work for the ADU.
Application Process and Requirements Building Permit Requirement A Building Permit is required to create an ADU or JADU. There are no exemptions. Depending upon the number of dwelling units created by the ADU(s), either a Combination Building Permit or a Building Permit will— SD Information Bulletin 400, p. 15
Ministerial ADU/JADU reviewRequired
ADUs/JADUs that meet state standards are approved ministerially (no public hearing or discretionary findings).
Code Chapter 14: General Regulations (3-2026) (11) The record owner is not required to live on the same premises of an ADU. (c) Development Regulations for JADUs. (1) On a premises with an existing or proposed single dwelling unit, one JADU is permitted, subject ... following: (A) The JADU shall be within an existing or proposed single dwelling unit or attached garage; (B) Construction of the JADU may expand the floor area of the existing single dwelling unit up to 150 square feet to only allow for ingress and egress— SDMC §141.0302, p. 8
Diego Municipal Code Chapter 14: General Regulations (3-2026) (8) ADU Home Density Bonus Agreement. The affordable ADUs shall be guaranteed through a written agreement and a deed of trust securing the agreement, entered into by the applicant and President and Chief Executive Officer ... Diego Housing Commission, or their designee, prior to the issuance of a Building Permit for the first affordable ADU or bonus ADU, whichever occurs first, that meets the following requirements: (A) A rental affordable ADU home density bonus agreement shall utilize the following qualifying criteria— SDMC §141.0302, p. 13
Grading permitVerify
A separate grading permit is required when cut/fill exceeds City thresholds — common on sloped lots or new foundations. Verify quantities with a site plan.
Slope and/or new footprint may trigger regulated earthwork.
SDMC §142.01 (Grading Regulations)
Right-of-way / encroachment permitVerify
Required if work touches the public right-of-way (new/widened driveway, curb, sidewalk, or utility trench in the ROW).
City of San Diego — Public Right-of-Way / Encroachment permit
Deterministic, source-cited — each item links its governing document. Items marked “Verify” depend on data not yet captured (lot geometry, construction valuation); confirm with DSD. First-iteration ruleset manifest-2026.06.08-v1.