Architectural Design & Planning

Architectural design and permit plans in San Diego

Space planning, permit drawings and city approvals for ADUs, additions, remodels and commercial spaces. Drawn with construction cost in mind, by the same team that will build it.

$5k–$20k
Typical residential plans
4–12 weeks
Typical city review
Plan check
Comments handled for you
CSLB #1153455
Licensed & insured
Pricing

What do plans and permits cost in San Diego?

Design fees depend on the size of the project and how many consultants it needs, such as structural, Title 24 energy or survey. These are typical ranges.

Remodel or addition plans

$5k–$15k

Measured existing plans, proposed layout, structural and energy calcs, ready for city submittal.

ADU design & permit set

$8k–$20k

Site plan, floor plans, elevations, structural and Title 24, taken through plan check.

Commercial / TI drawings

Custom quote

Space planning, architectural and MEP coordination for tenant improvements and new builds.

Typical 2026 San Diego ranges, not a quote. You get an itemized, fixed price after a free site visit.

Architectural Design & Planning by XLNC Builder in San DiegoDesign & planning
What's included

Plans that pass plan check and can actually be built

Plans drawn without a builder at the table often look great and price badly. Because we also build, we design around real construction costs and San Diego code from the first sketch.

Feasibility & zoning review

Setbacks, height, lot coverage, coastal and fire zones checked before design starts.

Space planning & layout

Floor plans worked out around how you will actually use each room.

Permit drawings & consultants

Architectural, structural and Title 24 energy drawings coordinated in one set.

Plan check to approval

We submit, answer corrections and stay with it until the permit is issued.

Process & timeline

How your project runs

One project manager from the first visit to the final walkthrough.

01

Consultation

1 week

Goals, budget and a feasibility check of your lot or space.

02

Concept design

2–4 weeks

Layout options and a construction cost estimate.

03

Permit set

3–6 weeks

Full drawings with structural and energy reports.

04

City review

4–12 weeks

Submittal, corrections and permit issued.

Recent work

Projects from our San Diego portfolio

12311 Witt Rd, home remodel in San Diego
12311 Witt RdHome remodel
2030 San Remo Dr, home remodel in San Diego
2030 San Remo DrHome remodel
8354 Adams Street, detached adu back unit in San Diego
8354 Adams StreetDetached ADU back unit

See all projects

Client reviews

What San Diego clients say

★★★★★
They fit every feature we wanted into the footprint while keeping us within San Diego's strict zoning limits, and turned our rough ideas into a technically perfect permit set.
VishalThree ADUs · design & permits
★★★★★
Before finding XLNC Builder, another company left me with headaches and plans the city rejected. From day one XLNC was professional and knowledgeable, walked me through the entire process, and their pricing was very reasonable.
HassanADU owner · San Diego
★★★★★
XLNC Builder, with Nancy and her dedicated, professional team, has been a reliable guide across my construction projects. I'm fortunate to count on them.
RichardDeveloper & contractor · San Diego

Licensed, bonded and insured. Verify CSLB license #1153455

Questions

Architectural Design & Planning: frequently asked questions

Typical residential plans run about $5,000 to $15,000 for a remodel or addition and $8,000 to $20,000 for an ADU permit set, including structural and Title 24 energy work. Commercial drawings are quoted per project.
A standard ADU with complete plans is often reviewed in about 4 to 8 weeks. Larger remodels, additions and projects in coastal, hillside or historic areas can take around 3 months or more.
Yes. The drawings are yours. Most clients choose to build with us because the same team that drew the plans prices and builds them, which avoids redesign and change orders.
Plan-check corrections are normal. We respond to every comment, revise the drawings and resubmit until the permit is issued, at no surprise cost for routine corrections.

Areas we serve

Based in Mira Mesa (9400 Activity Rd), we work across San Diego County, including:

  • Mira Mesa
  • Scripps Ranch
  • Rancho Bernardo
  • 4S Ranch
  • Poway
  • Carmel Valley
  • La Jolla
  • Del Mar
  • Clairemont
  • North Park
  • Point Loma
  • Tierrasanta
  • Encinitas
  • Carlsbad
  • Escondido
  • Coronado
  • Chula Vista
Free quote

Tell us about your project

We reply within one business day to set up a free site visit. No pressure, no hidden fees.

Prefer to talk now?Call or text (619) 836-0099

Itemized, fixed quote

Every line priced before work starts.

Plans, permits and build in one team

One project manager, start to finish.

Licensed, bonded & insured

CSLB #1153455, Class B General Building.

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