Underused lots. Maximum yield.
Every SD neighborhood has lots that could hold two or three times what's on them today. Urban infill is the art of unlocking that density without overbuilding — smart design, tight entitlement strategy, and construction that works.
What's included
Infill projects are constrained by definition — small lots, tight setbacks, existing structures next door. Great infill design turns constraints into features.
- 01 Lot analysis: zoning, overlays, existing conditions
- 02 Concept alternatives: single-family, duplex, or ADU-plus
- 03 Density strategy: state law + local overlays optimized
- 04 Site + massing design that respects neighbors
- 05 Full architectural + engineering package
- 06 Permit submission + entitlement management
How urban infill works
Site read
Zoning, setbacks, overlays, easements, adjacent conditions, and yield modeling.
Concept
2–3 development scenarios with cost/yield/timeline comparison. Pick the one that pencils.
Design + permit
Full architectural set, engineering, city submission.
Build
Optional in-house construction.
Common questions
01 What is urban infill?
Infill development means adding new housing on underutilized lots inside existing neighborhoods — as opposed to greenfield expansion. Small-lot infill is one of the highest-impact ways to add housing in SD without sprawl.
02 How small can an infill lot be?
California SB 9 lot splits can produce lots as small as 1,200 sqft under specific conditions. Most SD infill projects work with 2,500–6,000 sqft lots. Below 1,500 sqft, the math gets hard.
03 Do infill projects require CUPs?
By-right infill (single-family, duplex under SB 9, ADU-plus configurations) does not. Discretionary infill (waivers, density bonuses beyond by-right) may require a CUP or minor deviation — we screen for this in feasibility.
04 What's the biggest challenge with infill?
Neighbor relations and coastal/historic overlays. Infill triggers close scrutiny. Good projects design around it from day one — appropriate scale, appropriate setbacks, appropriate materials.
Often paired with this.
Multifamily Architecture + Permitting in San Diego
Small-lot multifamily is one of the strongest returns in the SD market — but only if the design pencils and the entitlement clears. ADU PALS delivers …
Learn more →Lot Feasibility & Site Planning in San Diego
The biggest mistake in real estate is buying a lot on assumption. ADU PALS does pre-purchase and pre-design feasibility studies — zoning, overlays, se…
Learn more →Coastal Property Design + Permitting in San Diego
The California Coastal Zone is the highest-difficulty entitlement environment in the state. It's also where finished projects command the strongest re…
Learn more →See what your lot can do.
Free lot feasibility screen. Real numbers before you commit.