What is the permit process?
ADU applications that meet all zoning ordinance requirements may be reviewed and approved by staff. Before starting such an application, staff recommends coming in to the public information counter to discuss the ADU regulations with Planning, Building, and Engineering teams. In general, the following guidelines are applicable to ADU building permits, depending on the specific proposal:
In addition to the requirements identified above, the Planning Division typically requires floor area and building coverage diagrams and a boundary and topographic survey.
Please note that new ADUs require a number of standard fees, including (for ADUs 750 square feet and greater) proportional impact fees. One such impact fee are the school fees charged by the local school districts. As a hypothetical example, if the primary dwelling unit is 2,000 square feet and the ADU is 1,000 square feet, and the school impact fee was $3.79/square foot the ADU would be responsible for $3,790 in school fees. Please consult the Building Division to confirm the school district(s) for your property, the fees vary by district. The Building Division can also provide detailed fee quotes of city-specific fees.
ADU applications that do not meet all zoning ordinance requirements may be reviewed and acted on by the Planning Commission (with the exception of the density and subdivision requirements, which may not be modified) through a use permit. Please contact the Planning Division if you are considering any such application for discretionary review.