[quote=UCGal]Russell –
Did you ever build the apartment or granny flat you were talking about a while back? I know you were considering building some income units.

I had to laugh at your descriptions of lazy incompetent architects. Since I’m married to an architect, I can laugh from an insider perspective. (Of course *my* hubster is not incompetent and *never* lazy. LOL)

The permit process is pretty different between the city of San Diego and the county. Having gone through the process with the city – I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy if the project is something they’re not used to (like a room addition.) They put us through the hoops: we were reviewed by not just building services – but had to draw up civil plans, additional structural plans, had to get fire marshal review, almost faced the dreaded canyon review and just missed the steep slope review. We ended up with 3 separate stamped sets of plans: building, civil, retaining walls.

It sounds like you learned to work the system well. I’m sure you pulled out a lot of hair when you were doing it, though.[/quote]

Hi UCGAl,

Who am I to pick on architects anyway?

I bet your unit was a challenge. With 20 rolling acres I had several easy spots to choose from.
I did build the rental. It is a legal rental called a second dwelling unit.It has all separate services. The setting really is great. The tenant has the best views from this lot. You look right down the canyons over MT. Helix catching Point Loma, and on the best days a large expanse of ocean. City lights at night. Great sunsets are most predictable.

Before moving out here I built a small house in Normal Heights, from scratch, and did a few first and a second story additions, plus some combination permits for no square footage added, remodel stuff.

It was on one of the additions in the city that I took over the plan check. That was quite some time ago. I am sure it has gotten worse every year.