Get permits for an accessory dwelling unit

Accessory and junior accessory dwelling units are residential units located on the same lot as another home.

Need to know

  • Costs:
    • ADU permit fee: $1,015
    • Building permit fee: Based on job value
  • Turnaround time estimates:
    • Planning review takes 60 days (30 days if using pre-approved plans)
    • Building review takes 60 days, once we received a complete building permit application

Before you start

Learn about accessory dwelling units [LINK] including:

  • Regulations
  • Pre-approved plans
  • Permit process

Steps

1. Meet with City planning staff

Before you submit any applications, we recommend you meet with us to review your goals and draft plans. We can share information about regulations and the process.

This cursory review often leads to faster approval.

2. Apply for an ADU permit

Before you can apply for a building permit, you need an ADU planning permit. You can apply for a planning permit online.

You will need to upload documents based on the application type. Review these resources to learn about the documents you’ll need to prepare:

ADU

JADU

If you are using a pre-approved plan with rent restrictions, you do not need to pay the permit fee.

We will review your plans to make sure they comply with our regulations. This is an objective review that does not require public notice.

Within 30 days we will send you the results of our initial review. If your plans don’t comply, we’ll work with you to resolve the issues.

If you are using a pre-approved plan, the entire review process takes about 30 days.

3. Apply for a building permit

Once your ADU permit is approved, you can apply online for a building permit.

There are 4 subtypes:

  • ADU attached
  • JADU
  • ADU detached

Upload these documents with your online application:

  • Title page with project address, contacts, scope, date and blank area for reviewer notes (examples: 11x17 and 24x36)
  • Overall site plan / floor plan to show location of work
  • Existing and proposed floor plans
  • Existing and proposed elevations
  • Sections, details, notes required to describe the scope of work
  • Electrical plans
  • Structural drawings and calculations
  • Geotechnical report (if required – typically if lot is over 20% sloped or you have deep retaining walls)
  • Survey (if required from your ADU permit)
  • Title 24 residential energy compliance forms, if adding habitable space or mechanical equipment
  • Construction management plan (guidelines and example)
  • Landscape plan (if required from your ADU permit)
  • WELO (required if your project is new construction with over 500 square feet of landscaping or 2,500 square feet of landscaping is proposed or replaced)
  • C.3 Stormwater[LINK] (required if over 2,500 square feet of impervious surface is replaced or proposed)
  • WUI details
  • Contractor or owner-builder declarations
  • Projects over $50k require Construction & Demolition Debris Recycling Statement

Learn about these required application documents.

When your application is complete, we’ll send you our decision within 60 days.

4. Construction and demolition debris

If your project is over $50,000 in valuation, you need to comply with debris recycling requirements.

What’s next

After your building permit is approved, you can start construction.

If you plan on renting your ADU, learn about the rules and taxes you’ll need to pay.

Get help

ADU permit

Building permit