ADU Building Services by Homes by Hedges
An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) — also commonly referred to as a granny flat, casita, companion unit, or guest house — is an attached or detached dwelling unit that provides complete independent living facilities on the same parcel as a single or multi-family residential property. These facilities include a kitchen and bathroom, making the unit fully self-contained.
ADUs can take several forms, including converting a portion of an existing home, adding onto an existing structure, completing a garage conversion, or constructing a new detached structure from the ground up. Homes by Hedges, based in North San Diego County, is an experienced ADU contractor with a working knowledge of the regulations and permitting processes involved in these projects.
New ADU laws in California have made it more accessible for property owners in San Diego County to add an accessory dwelling unit. However, each municipality operates under its own set of regulations, zoning rules, setbacks, and size requirements. Working with a knowledgeable ADU builder who understands how to scope and navigate a project can make a meaningful difference — potentially avoiding lengthy resubmittals and additional fees during the permitting process.
What to Know About ADUs in San Diego County
Below are some commonly asked questions about accessory dwelling units that Homes by Hedges regularly helps clients work through:
- What is an ADU? An ADU is a residential dwelling unit of 1,200 square feet or less that provides complete independent living facilities — including sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation — located on a lot with an existing or proposed single or multiple dwelling unit.
- Is a building permit required? Yes. A building permit is required to ensure the ADU meets all applicable zoning, building, health, and safety codes. Homes by Hedges assists clients through the permitting process.
- Can an ADU be used as a short-term rental? No. An ADU may not be leased for fewer than 31 consecutive days and cannot be used for transient lodging.
- What are the size requirements? An attached ADU may be up to 50% of the size of the primary residence, with a maximum of 1,200 square feet. A detached ADU may also be up to 1,200 square feet, regardless of the size of the main home.
- What about unincorporated communities? Residents in unincorporated areas of San Diego County, such as Valley Center, may be eligible for a fee waiver program and access to pre-approved plans.
- Are parking spaces required? A dedicated parking space is not required if the ADU is located within one-half mile of public transit or within a historically significant district.
Experience Across North San Diego County
Homes by Hedges has been building homes and ADUs in North San Diego County for over 25 years. Their service area includes communities such as Valley Center, Escondido, San Marcos, Oceanside, Poway, Rancho Bernardo, Vista, Fallbrook, and Ramona.
As an established accessory dwelling unit builder, Homes by Hedges manages projects from initial scoping through to final completion, including handling the permitting process on behalf of clients. Their familiarity with local regulations across different municipalities is a practical advantage for property owners looking to add a granny flat, casita, or other type of ADU to their property.