One of the initial investments is the creation of architectural plans.   This is daunting to most of us. It becomes essential to contemplate your living needs.  You should also consider short-term and long-term needs for this time of investment.
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Two important considerations in creating plans are costs and time.  Plans start at $5,000.   Survey of site, drainage evaluation, engineering and septic adds to costs and timeline.

Timeframe can be considerable.  Survey and design services to plan completion takes weeks.  Then submission to local building department will take months.  Current ordinance mandates the streamline of this timeframe to be completed in 60 days. 

Several San Diego building departments have responded by offering pre-designed plans.  They are free of charge and pre-approved that streamlines the permitting process.
  
The County of San Diego offers 6 sets of pre-designed plans ranging from 1 bed, 1 bath to 3 bed, 1 bath plans.  These are complete plans that you can revise to begin discussions with general contractors to discuss costs.

City of San Diego and Chula Vista will accept these pre-designed plans.

City of Encinitas also offers pre-designed plans ranging from studio units to 3 bed 3 bath designs.