Accessory dwelling unit permit process

As part of the State’s effort to address our housing crisis, the permit process for accessory dwelling units has been streamlined and simplified.

You need 2 permits before you can start construction:

• ADU Planning permit
• ADU Building permit

Planning permit

The first permit you need is for the review and approval of your plans. We will check to see if your plans meet the regulations.

This is a ministerial review process, which means:

• City staff conducts the review
• It’s objective, with little or no personal judgment
• There is no public review process

Your permit is approved if all the standards are met. If standards are not met, City staff will work with you until they can be met.

Building permit

You can submit a building permit application at the same time as your planning permit application. You will get a decision with 60 days of a complete planning and building permit. If your application is missing information, we will let you know.

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

Special cases

Turnaround time

To comply with State law, we will make a decision within 60 days from when you submit a complete building permit application. An application is considered complete when:

• ADU permit is approved
• Building permit application materials are complete

Costs

• ADU permit fee: $1,015 (waived if using City designed pre-approved plans)
• Building permit fee: Based on job value