Streamlined ADU Permitting

Get a head start with our pre-approved plans, and save time with our simplified ADU permitting process.
Talk to an ADU Expert

Your ADU permit on the fast track

Fully-Managed Plan Submission

Our permitting team will submit your ADU project drawing sets and site assessments to the city.

City Feedback Oversight

We help you choose the most cost-effective option for different usage scenarios.

Building Permit Approval

Our construction team is ready to break ground as soon as your plans are approved.

City Review Timeline

Building permit applications for ADUs are generally approved or denied within 60 to 90 calendar days from receipt.*

Your application is submitted and the payment is made

The City reviews the plans and routes them internally for review

If required, the City will issue a comment letter with any revision requests

Our team helps make revisions as needed and resubmits the drawings

The City reviews the revisions and confirms the plans are in good standing

The building permit is issued

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(562) 281-8861

FAQs

Have questions? Here are a series of frequently asked questions to clarify the ADU permits process.

What Is An ADU Permit?

An ADU permit is an official document from local authorities that allows homeowners to build or modify an ADU on their property. This permit grants legal approval for renovating, constructing, or converting a structure or unused space into an ADU, ensuring compliance with building codes, zoning regulations, and other local ordinances.

Do You Need Permits To Build An ADU?

Yes, obtaining permits is required to build an ADU in California.

The process may vary depending on your location and the specific regulations of your city. However, permits are required before starting any construction or renovation work.

What permits do I need to build an ADU?

To build an ADU, you’ll typically need several permits, but these are some of the most common permits:

  • Building Permit: This permit is vital to ensure that the unit complies with local building codes, zoning laws, and safety regulations, including fire safety, accessibility, and general building standards.
  • Electrical and Plumbing Permit: This type of permit is essential for ADU projects, as it covers installing, modifying, or repairing electrical and plumbing systems within the unit.
  • Local Permits: These permits could include planning, zoning, grading, or environmental approvals to ensure compliance with city or county regulations.

How Much Do ADU Permits Cost?

When planning your ADU project, it’s crucial to budget for the various fees imposed by your local jurisdiction. Here are some common fees you may encounter:

  1. Plan check fee: Before your ADU plans are approved, they undergo a thorough review by city or county officials to ensure compliance with building codes and regulations. The cost of this permit is around $1,700 and $2,000+.
  2. Building permit fee: Once your plans pass the review process, you must obtain a building permit to start construction on your ADU. The building permit fee varies depending on the size and scope of your project and local regulations. Depending on your zone, a building permit fee usually ranges from $1,400 to $2,000+.
  3. Impact fee: These fees vary depending on your locality and the amount set by local authorities, similar to school and fire mitigation fees, and the cost usually vary widely depending on factors such as location, project size, and local policies.

How Long Does It Take To Get An ADU Permit?

The timeline for obtaining ADU permits can vary depending on your location and local regulations. In San Diego county, the process may take anywhere from 2 to 4 months from the submission of the application to final approval.

Meanwhile, a general estimate for the ADU permitting process in Los Angeles County could range from approximately 3 to 6 months from application submission to final approval.

How can Houzd ADUs help me with my ADU permits?

  • Fully-Managed Plan Submission:
Our permitting team will prepare and submit your ADU project drawing sets and site assessments to the city.
  • City Feedback Oversight:
Our in-house architects will ensure plans compliance by addressing any feedback or required changes from the city.
  • Building Permit Approval:
Our construction team will be ready to break ground and start building your ADU as soon as your plans get approved.