Ground-Up Residential Development in San Diego
Ground Zero Development is a San Diego real estate developer, founded in 2025, that builds ground-up multifamily, ADU and custom home projects from acquisition through construction and stabilization. The firm has 16 projects across North Park, Hillcrest, Bankers Hill, Logan Heights, Kensington, Linda Vista and Imperial Beach, ranging from 3 to 20 units.
Who We Are
From Acquisition to Ownership: Full-Cycle Development in San Diego
Full-cycle development means one team handles every stage of a project: acquisition, design, construction and stabilization. Ground Zero Development runs all four stages for San Diego residential projects, so owners and investors work with one accountable team instead of coordinating separate consultants and contractors. Its portfolio of 16 projects spans ground-up, value-add and ADU work in seven San Diego neighborhoods. As of October 2026, 2 projects are complete, 5 are under construction and 9 are in entitlements. Multifamily projects up to 20 units typically take 24 to 36 months from consultation to delivery, and the development fee is 3% to 6% of total project cost. The firm also legalizes unpermitted construction through retroactive permitting. A free feasibility review, delivered within 2 business days, reports the units a lot allows, an estimated budget and projected rent.
Acquisition
Acquisition starts with a free feasibility review. The owner sends a San Diego lot address, and Ground Zero reports the maximum buildable units, an estimated budget and projected rent within 2 business days. Feasibility takes about 1 month, and the review carries no obligation.
Design
Design takes 3 to 4 months. Ground Zero works with ohms architects, a full-service architecture, design and research office in San Diego, to plan each project. Zoning allowances, achievable unit count, comparable rents and construction cost are modeled first, so the project is proven before design spend begins.
Construction
Construction takes 12 to 18 months after entitlements and permitting, which take 9 to 12 months. BuildingSD, a San Diego residential design-build firm focused on ADUs and multifamily construction, manages construction. Ground Zero reports progress against a phase-by-phase schedule set at the start.
Stabilization
Stabilization follows construction and takes 3 to 6 months. Parkside, a San Diego property management firm serving real estate investors and developers, manages this stage, positioning each completed property to lease and perform. The full path runs 24 to 36 months from consultation to delivery.
Portfolio
Ground Zero Development has completed or is building 16 San Diego projects of 3 to 20 units. As of October 2026, 2 are complete, 5 are under construction and 9 are in entitlements.
Ground Zero is built on relationships.
The Ground Zero community brings together San Diego investors, professionals and industry partners. Members learn by doing, share knowledge and build long-term relationships around real development projects. The community FAQ covers admission criteria, investment opportunities and fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Ground Zero Development do?
Ground Zero Development is a San Diego real estate developer that builds ground-up multifamily and ADU projects and legalizes unpermitted construction through retroactive permitting. It manages feasibility, design, permitting, construction and stabilization for owners and investors.
How long does a multifamily development take?
A typical project takes 24 to 36 months from consultation to delivery: about 1 month for feasibility, 3 to 4 months for design, 9 to 12 months for entitlements and permitting, and 12 to 18 months for construction. A stabilization period of 3 to 6 months follows.
How much does Ground Zero charge?
The fee is a percentage of total project cost, typically between 3% and 6% depending on project difficulty, location and size. The fee structure is shown in writing before design begins, and the feasibility review carries no obligation.
What is the free feasibility review?
It is a no-cost review of a San Diego lot before capital is committed. The owner sends an address, and Ground Zero reports what is allowed, including maximum buildable units, an estimated budget and projected rent, within 2 business days.