01 / Plan pathChoose the right production starting point.
The City maintains standard ADU plans. Applications using a City Standard ADU Plan are reviewed in about 14 business days rather than 21, and the City indicates roughly $1,000 lower plan review fees than a full custom submittal.
Express PlanStarting at $4,500For a qualifying jurisdiction preapproved plan adapted into the property-specific architectural production set.
Custom PlanStarting at $6,500For an original floor plan and architectural production set developed around the property and homeowner.
Size affects more than floor area.
ADUs and JADUs are permitted in zones allowing single-family or multifamily residential use. The unit type available depends on the lot configuration and the existing dwelling; confirm the current objective standards with Development Services.
Plan review, building permit, school, utility and other service charges apply and require confirmation. Contact Development Services at DSD@chulavistaca.gov or 619-476-2332 for current fees.
500 SFConfirm school-fee assessment rules750 SFState impact-fee protection checkpoint1,000 SFTwo-bedroom state minimum allowance1,200 SFCommon local upper-range checkpoint
03 / Site conditionsProperty conditions can change the path.
- Whether a City Standard ADU Plan fits the lot
- Zoning and any planned community or specific plan overlay
- Coastal Zone status
- Fire access and water supply
- Existing dwelling and utility records
04 / Consultant screenLikely disciplines to evaluate.
- Structural engineering
- Title 24 energy documentation
- Survey where boundaries or topography require it
- Civil or geotechnical review when triggered
Consultants are retained only when required by the property, design, or reviewing agency. Their proposals and coordination are separate from the architectural production fee unless stated otherwise in the agreement.
05 / Property-specific next stepTurn the guide into a preliminary project report.
Enter the address to screen jurisdiction, mapped constraints, likely agencies, drawing requirements, consultants, and the preliminary fee path.
Important: This guide is general planning information, not a zoning determination, permit approval, fee quote, or guarantee of feasibility. Current parcel records, adopted codes, agency interpretations, utility requirements, site investigation, and written agency confirmation control.