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
ADU 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
After your plans are approved by planning, you can apply for a building permit. You’ll submit your approved plans along with construction plans and documents.
If your application is missing information, we will let you know. Once it’s complete, you will get a decision within 60 days.
After your building permit is approved, you can start construction.
Special cases