ADU Builder in La Jolla
Custom-designed accessory dwelling units, designed, permitted and built by one in-house team — engineered for La Jolla's coastal rules and its high returns.
Get your free feasibility check → or call (619) 404-0125La Jolla pairs the highest lot values in San Diego County with some of its strongest rental rates, which is exactly why a well-designed ADU here returns more than almost anywhere in the region. It's also one of the most demanding places to build: nearly every parcel sits in the Coastal Zone, and bluff and slope sensitivity shape what you can put where. That combination — high upside, real complexity — is where a design-build team that knows the coastal process earns its keep.
Why build an ADU in La Jolla?
Highest ADU ROI in the county
Premium lot values and rents make La Jolla one of the most lucrative places in San Diego to add a rental ADU.
Coastal expertise, not guesswork
Almost all of La Jolla needs a Coastal Development Permit. We design to the coastal rules from day one so plans clear without costly redesigns.
One accountable team
Architecture, permitting and construction under one roof — one contract, one point of contact, no finger-pointing.
La Jolla ADU rules at a glance
| Jurisdiction | City of San Diego (Coastal Zone) |
|---|---|
| Max detached ADU | Up to 1,200 sq ft |
| Height | 16 ft (18 ft near transit); bluff/slope siting applies |
| ADUs per lot | Up to 4–6 via the City's ADU Bonus Program (coastal review applies) |
| Coastal permit | Yes — CDP, decided within 60 days under AB 462 |
| Owner-occupancy | Not required for ADUs (required for JADUs) |
Because La Jolla is governed by City of San Diego rules, it can access the City's ADU Bonus Program (up to 4–6 units by lot size) — but a Coastal Development Permit and bluff/slope review still apply. The full breakdown is on our San Diego ADU regulations page.
What it costs
Coastal La Jolla projects sit at the premium end — typically the higher side of San Diego's 2026 detached-ADU ranges, with a modest coastal uplift. We give you a real number, not a guess, in your consult. See our 2026 cost guide.
How we work — design, permits & build under one roof
- Free feasibility check — we confirm your lot's exact rules and what fits.
- Custom design + 3D — we refine the layout and show you the result.
- Permitting — full plan set, structural, and the coastal permit if required.
- Construction — built by our team, on a defined schedule.
- Keys — final inspection, certificate of occupancy, and warranty.
See what your La Jolla property can build
We'll confirm your exact rules, what fits your lot, and a realistic budget and timeline — free, with no obligation.
Book your free feasibility check →La Jolla ADU — frequently asked questions
Do I need a Coastal Development Permit to build an ADU in La Jolla?
How big can an ADU be in La Jolla?
How many ADUs can I build on a La Jolla lot?
Is La Jolla a good place to build an ADU for rental income?
How long does ADU approval take in La Jolla?
Keep exploring
Note: ADU rules change and vary by lot and overlay. Figures reflect our reading of state and local rules as of May 2026 and are not legal advice — we confirm your exact, current requirements in your free feasibility check. IL Total Design & Build, CSLB #1058676.