ADU cost in City Heights, San Diego (2026 permit data)
How much does an ADU cost in City Heights?
Single-ADU permits near City Heights declared a median $117,600 of construction in 2026 (middle half $63,500–$198,300, 63 permits), 3% below the City of San Diego median of $120,900. Declared value excludes design, City fees and utility work.
86 City building permits near City Heights added at least one ADU between January 1 and October 15, 2026. Of these, 28 were conversions and 26 new detached units, so City Heights leans toward conversions.
Planning range for a premium build: start from the $198,300 upper quartile and add design, engineering, utility connections and finishes.
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City Heights ADU permits by type
| Type | Permits | Low (25%) | Median | High (75%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All single-ADU permits | 63 | $63,500 | $117,600 | $198,300 |
| Conversions (garage/room) | 28 | $41,800 | $63,200 | $94,900 |
| New detached ADUs | 26 | $120,300 | $197,600 | $206,300 |
| City of San Diego, all areas | 750 | $76,000 | $120,900 | $197,700 |
Valuation is the construction value declared to the City, not a quote. Download the area data.
Permit timeline in City Heights
The median ADU permit near City Heights took 284 days from application to issue, versus 298 days citywide. Correction rounds are usually the longest part. Full timeline · Step-by-step permit guide.
How an ADU project runs
- Feasibility (1–3 weeks): lot, setbacks, sewer lateral, panel capacity.
- Design and engineering (1–3 months).
- City plan check and corrections (284 days median here, application to issue).
- Construction: conversions are generally shorter than new detached builds.
- Final inspection, utilities, occupancy. A panel upgrade often follows; see what comes next.
Questions San Diego homeowners ask
What is the typical ADU budget in City Heights?
Single-ADU permits near City Heights declared a median $117,600 of construction in 2026 (middle half $63,500–$198,300, 63 permits), 3% below the City of San Diego median of $120,900. Declared value excludes design, City fees and utility work.
Is a garage conversion cheaper than a detached ADU in City Heights?
Near City Heights, conversions declared a median $63,200 (28 permits) and new detached ADUs $197,600 (26 permits). See the full comparison.
How long does an ADU permit take in City Heights?
The 2026 median near City Heights was 284 days from application to issue (298 days citywide).
Are City impact fees charged on ADUs?
Development Impact Fees are waived for ADUs under 750 sq ft and for the first two ADUs on a property (SDMC §142.0640). School, plan check and permit fees still apply.
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