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See the following link for an Information Bulletin IB-111 prepared by the City that summarizes their requirements for ADU builders in Carlsbad.
The City has now approved the use of Permit Ready Plans. Here is a Link to the City’s Permit Ready Plans they have developed:
The City of Carlsbad does charge fees for plan checking and inspection of the Building Permit in the range of $2,000 to $4,000. If the ADU exceeds 750 sf there will also be City Impact Fees. If the ADU exceeds 500 sf there are typically additional fees from the local School District. Additional utility connection fees may be required should the ADU exceed a certain square footage or should a new utility connection be required.
There is a requirement to process a Minor Coastal Development Permit if the project is located within the Coastal Zone. A public hearing is not required. Neighboring property owners will still be notified of the permit application but approval will be done administratively by the City Planner.
The project site may require other types of permit approvals (apart from the ADU approval), depending on the existing and proposed site conditions. For example, if the amount of dirt to be moved exceeds a certain threshold, a grading permit may be necessary and if a retaining wall is needed this may require a separate permit.
