How-To Guide - copy

These are the steps from daydream to completion of your ADU. An overview of the process can be helpful for understanding what to expect from the design, permitting, and construction phases of the project.

Pre-Application Phase

  • Use the GIS tool to determine the eligibility of your parcel and the maximum size ADU you could build
  • Consult the ADU Financing Guide to estimate your ballpark costs.
  • Call or Email the Zoning Counter to discuss options as well as any constraints or site-specific factors (steep slopes, double frontages, agricultural buffer setbacks, existing accessory structures, septic systems, etc.) that could require additional consideration. This step will help you avoid surprises after investing time and money into a building design.
  • If your home relies on a septic system for sanitation, consult with EHS about the capacity of your existing system.

Reach the Zoning Counter by calling or emailing:

Design Phase

Design and Preparation

  • Will the ADU be built as New Construction or as a Conversion ADU? Consult the ADU Design Guide for guidance and inspiration.
  • Consider your options for drafting plans. You could hire a designer or architect, draw your own plans, purchase a set of stock building plans or consider purchasing a manufactured home or pre-fab unit.
  • Consider your options for building. Will you hire a contractor to build the unit? Will you construct the unit yourself?
  • Once you select an ADU design option, you can get an estimate of County fees by using the Fee Estimator.
  • With your preliminary design, the Building Counter can provide a list of plan submittal requirements.

Reach the Building Counter by calling or emailing:

Permitting Phase

Submit Plans for Building Permit

Expect 2 rounds of comments/re-submittals; in addition to building plan check, plans are typically reviewed by zoning, environmental planning, the Department of Public Works, and fire districts. Expect this process to take several weeks.

Record Deed Restriction

The property owner may reside in either the primary home or the ADU, and confirmation of a Homeowner’s Tax Exemption is required prior to permit issuance, and a restriction on the property’s deed stating this requirement must be recorded before the Building Permit can be issued. This requirement will apply to all future owners of the property.

Obtain Permits and Pay Fees

  • Obtain your building permit and any other necessary permits.
  • Pay all fees as required. Fees vary both by size (units smaller than 500 sf are exempted from certain fees) and by method of construction (Conversion ADUs are not subject to several fees). See the ADU Financing Guide, Section 4 for more information about fees.

Construction & Occupancy

Construct Your ADU

Complete all Required Building and Environmental Inspections at appropriate stages of the construction process.

Occupy your ADU

If you will be renting the ADU, the information in Section 8 of the ADU Financing Guide: ADUs as Rental Property about how to be a landlord, accepting housing vouchers, etc. may be valuable