Build Your ADU in Encinitas
and Save Up to $17,500
The City of Encinitas offers a Permit-Ready ADU (PRADU) program — pre-approved architectural plans with plan check fees waived. Most homeowners have no idea this exists.
Santa Fe Construction specializes in PRADU submissions. We tell you the truth about what it costs — before anyone else will.
From $499 · Specific to your Encinitas lot · Credited back in full when you build with SFC
What Most Homeowners Don't Know
The City Already Approved Your Plans
Since 2019, the City of Encinitas has maintained a library of pre-approved ADU building plans — designed by licensed local architects, updated to current building codes, and ready to submit with your permit application.
This means you skip the $6,000–$12,500 custom architectural design phase entirely. The City waives plan check fees. California AB 1332 requires Encinitas to complete permit review within 30 days — half the time of standard ADU permitting. This program is not available in most other cities.
The PRADU Savings Breakdown
Available Pre-Approved Plans
Design Path Studio
Expandable bedroom designDZN Partners
Extensive exterior options & roof lines* Modifications to pre-approved plans require standard plan check process. SFC will advise on the best plan for your lot.
What Google Won't Tell You
The Hidden Costs of Building an ADU
Most online sources quote $200–$400/sqft. The real all-in cost in North San Diego County is $550–$650/sqft once you account for everything below. We tell you this upfront — before you commit to anything.
Electrical Service Upgrade
$8,000–$15,000Running a new 200A panel and conduit from the main house to your ADU location.
Sewer Lateral Connection
$6,000–$18,000Cost varies dramatically based on distance from main sewer line and soil conditions.
Water Line Extension
$4,000–$10,000New dedicated water meter and supply line to the ADU — required by most cities.
Gas Line Run
$3,000–$8,000If your ADU includes a range or gas appliances, a new gas line must be installed.
Grading & Site Prep
$5,000–$25,000Slope, drainage, and soil conditions on your specific lot determine this cost.
Fire Sprinkler System
$8,000–$22,000Required in High Fire Severity Zones — check if your Encinitas parcel qualifies.
"Santa Fe Construction does not just build ADUs.
We tell you the truth about what it costs before anyone else will."
Your ADU Investment Report includes a complete hidden-cost breakdown specific to your Encinitas lot.
The SFC Process
From Assessment to Certificate of Occupancy
A clear, transparent process with no surprises. We have done this for 22 years.
Get Your ADU Investment Report
Your $499 report covers PRADU eligibility for your specific lot, rental income projections, property value increase, and a 5-year ROI analysis — data-backed, specific to your Encinitas parcel.
Select Your PRADU Plan
Choose from 8 pre-approved designs across two architect firms. Studio, 1BR, 2BR, or 3BR — all pre-approved by the City of Encinitas.
Pre-Construction Package
We handle the site-specific plan, structural review, T24 energy compliance, and permit submittal. $12,500 — credited back in full when you build with SFC.
Permit Approval
California AB 1332 requires cities to approve pre-approved ADU plan applications within 30 days — vs. the standard 60–90 day timeline for custom plans.
Construction Begins
Your $12,500 pre-construction investment is credited back to your build contract. SFC manages every phase from groundbreak to Certificate of Occupancy.
Your ADU is Complete
Rental income starts. Property value increases. Your investment in the Encinitas real estate market compounds for years to come.
Ready to Know Your Numbers?
Ready to Build Your ADU in Encinitas?
Get the full data-backed ADU Investment Report for your Encinitas property — covering PRADU eligibility, rental income projections, property value increase, and a 5-year ROI analysis. Specific to your lot.
Report from $499 · Credited back in full when you build with SFC
Santa Fe Construction · Lic. #831-597 · San Marcos, CA · Serving Encinitas, Carlsbad, La Jolla, Rancho Santa Fe & North San Diego County