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City of El Cajon Standard ADU: Studio, 560 sq ft
Pre-approved in El Cajon, not in Los Angeles. Building it in Los Angeles would need the city's full plan review.
About this design
Studio, 1-bath standard ADU plan (560 sq ft). About 20 by 32 feet overall, with a 63 sq ft side porch and a 15 sq ft entry porch under the roof. Gable roof and board and batten siding. Drawn to the 2022 California codes; the owner adds the site plan. Standard ADU plan published free by the City of El Cajon Building Safety Division. The owner adds a site plan for their lot; anyone may use the plans, not only ADU Loan Program borrowers.
Site Plan
See how this design fits on your lot. Drag the ADU footprint to explore placement options.
Legend
Measured
Shortest distance from the unit to each controlling line, from the county parcel map. Good to a foot or two; not a survey.
Property
ADU Design
Setbacks
This site plan is for preliminary planning only. Setback data is based on general municipal guidelines and may not reflect site-specific conditions, easements, or recent zoning changes. Always consult with a licensed professional before proceeding.
3D Site View
The ADU at your chosen placement alongside the existing structures on the lot. The navy outline marks the lot boundary; the gray outline marks the buildable area inside the setbacks. Move or rotate the ADU above and the 3D view follows.
Features & Specifications
Design Details
Plan Details
Pre-Approved / Standard Plan Cities
Permit Fee Estimate
Jurisdiction
Some West LA and Studio City pockets are unincorporated LA County. Confirm your jurisdiction with the local building department if you are near a boundary.
Estimated Build Cost Range
Based on square footage and regional construction averages
This range is a speculative estimate based on typical construction costs where this plan is approved, including design, permits and fees, and on the plan's size. Smaller ADUs cost more per square foot, because a kitchen, a bathroom and utility connections cost about the same at any size. It does not account for site conditions or material selections. Actual costs must be validated with a licensed general contractor or the plan's architect before making any financial decisions.
Rental Income Estimate
Build Location
Los Angeles, CA
ADU programs in El Cajon
ADU Loan Program
El Cajon's ADU Loan Program offers homeowners who live on the property a deferred loan toward ADU construction costs. The ADU has to stay affordable for at least five years, and applications are taken first come, first served.
Learn moreFrom the official program pages, checked November 6, 2026. Funding, terms and eligibility can change, so confirm with the program before you rely on it.
Financing Your Build
Most homeowners finance ADU construction rather than paying cash. These are the common routes. Talk to a lender you choose; A-du does not arrange loans.
Illustration only, assuming a 20-year fixed loan at 8.5% APR on the estimated build-cost midpoint. Your rate, term, and eligibility depend on the lender and your finances. This is not an offer of credit; financing is provided by third-party lenders, subject to their approval.
Renovation & ADU construction loans
Lenders that underwrite on your home’s value after the ADU is built, often the best fit when current equity doesn’t cover the build.
Home equity (HELOC / home equity loan)
For owners with substantial equity, a line of credit against the home is typically the simplest and fastest route to fund construction.
Grants & public programs
California periodically funds ADU grant programs (e.g. the CalHFA ADU Grant for predevelopment costs, when funded). Worth checking before you borrow.
About the designer
Source & Availability
Pre-approved plan from City of El Cajon
Chris Koss, AIA, the California-licensed architect who owns A-du, can permit this plan for you, whichever firm drew it.
Important Information
Pre-Approval Status: Pre-approval information is provided by the vendor and should be verified directly with your local building department.
Site Review: Pre-approval covers the building design, not your lot. Where it sits on your property still has to meet setbacks, fire department access, water supply for firefighting and, where the lot is in a wildfire hazard zone, wildland-urban interface building rules. The building and fire departments check these for every address at plan check.
Cost Estimates: All pricing information is provided by the vendor as estimates only. Actual costs may vary.
Platform Role: A-du is a technology platform connecting homeowners with design vendors. We do not provide architectural, engineering, or construction services.
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Optional; at checkout you pay only the flat fee (credit cards, when offered, add a 2.99% surcharge). This plan is free from City of El Cajon either way. Get the plan, then request permitting by Chris Koss, AIA from your plan dashboard.
Chris Koss, AIA, a California-licensed architect who owns A-du, provides this permitting service personally under a separate written agreement with you (the Permitting Services Agreement). It is not performed by A-du, and A-du takes no part of his fee. You can take the plan to your building department yourself instead.
Coming soon
Permit it yourself, step by step.
$299 per project.
We're deciding whether to build a guided way to permit this plan yourself. Tap Notify me if you'd use it.
Not available yet. Nothing to buy today.
Published free