Accessory dwelling unit

• Proof of primary dwelling
• Parking / utility capacity
• Full residential drawing set
• Owner-occupancy affidavit if required

Confirm the AHJ, whether the work is permitted, and who can pull the ticket. Clear zoning, flood, and utilities before you pay for a full set.

1. Confirm the Authority Having Jurisdiction

   City limits, unincorporated county, and special districts are different desks. Use the address, not the mailing city. If two portals look plausible, call both and ask which one issues the permit for that folio / parcel.

   Owner or GC

2. Decide whether the work is permitted

   Most structural, MEP, envelope, and change-of-use work needs a permit. Cosmetic finishes usually do not. When in doubt, ask the building department in writing and keep the answer with the job file.

   Owner or designer

3. Line up the people who can pull the permit

   Many AHJs only issue to a licensed contractor, a registered design professional, or an owner-builder who signs an affidavit. Check the state license and any local business tax receipt before you apply.

   GC / trades

4. Win the zoning / ADU screen first

   Lot size, owner occupancy, parking, and utility capacity kill more ADUs than the building code. Do not bid a foundation on a maybe.

   Owner / planner

Assemble a complete submittal and file it in the official portal. Pay intake. Keep the record number. A complete application is not a permit.

1. Assemble the submittal

   Application, site plan or survey, construction drawings, product approvals, energy forms, and owner / contractor affidavits. Incomplete packages are the most common reason a file sits.

   Applicant

2. File in the official portal

   Create the account on the AHJ portal, pay the intake fee, and keep the record number. Do not start work. A complete application is not a permit.

   Applicant

Answer every comment, cloud the sheets, and resubmit the set the AHJ asked for. Issuance comes after fees and a stamped job copy.

1. Plan review and corrections

   Building, zoning, fire, flood, and trade reviewers may each comment. Answer every comment in writing, cloud the sheets, and resubmit the full corrected set the AHJ asked for.

   Designer + applicant

2. Issuance and job-site posting

   Pay remaining fees, print or download the approved set, and post the permit card where the inspector can see it. The stamped set is the only legal job copy.

   Applicant

Build only what the last ticket allows. Call inspections before you conceal work. The approved set on site is the only legal job copy.

1. Treat it like a small house

   Same inspection spine as new residential. Separate address and utility meters if the AHJ requires them.

   GC

Trade finals, then building final. Ask the department to close the file. Keep the CO / CC, as-builts, and product papers with the property.

1. Final inspections

   Trade finals usually precede the building final. Do not conceal failed work. Bring the approved set, prior tickets, and special-inspection reports.

   GC

2. Close the file

   Ask the department to final the permit. Collect the certificate of occupancy, certificate of completion, or finaled card. Keep as-builts, product approvals, and elevation certificates with the property.

   Owner + GC

• Certificate of Occupancy for the ADU
• Updated property record if the assessor requires it

• A 'guest house' that has a kitchen is an ADU in most codes.
• HOA CC&Rs can prohibit what zoning now allows.