ADU Plan Review & Permit Process

Find our updated webpage HERE.

Congratulations on making the decision to build an ADU! On this page, we outline the main steps to getting a building permit and completing your project.

• Is your ADU project a tiny home on wheels? If yes, instead of the steps below, please refer to Bulletin 291 Tiny Home on Wheels Permit Checklist.
  
  
• Is your project a junior accessory dwelling unit (JADU) within the existing footprint of your home? If yes, this webpage also applies to you.

STEP # 1
REVIEW THE ADU UNIVERSAL CHECKLIST

The ADU Universal Checklist outlines project requirements according to the location and type of property. Please also watch the video: Step 1 to Any ADU Project: Property Considerations.

** Homeowners, designers, and construction professionals should all read the ADU Universal Checklist to understand the key considerations that affect an ADU project.**

Get Free Basic Feedback: To receive feedback from a Planner on your proposed project concept, send an email to ADU.Ally@sanjoseca.gov with the following information:
- the project property address
- a list of your questions
- attach a site sketch that shows measurements of the lot; location of all existing buildings and trees; and proposed location of the ADU (or, if applicable, the location JADU or tiny home on wheels).
- attach any conceptual floor plans and/or elevations.

STEP # 2
PREPARE THE ADU PLANS

After ensuring that your ADU concept addresses all items on the ADU Universal Checklist, we advise you to work with an experienced professional to prepare your construction plans. ADU plans involve many technical codes and working with an experienced professional will save you time and money in the long run. City staff will NOT process inaccurate or incomplete plans!

Before you prepare the plans, please read:

• Bulletin 211 ADU Building Plan Requirements
• Building Division Directive #B-007 Detached ADU Fire Separation Distance Requirements
• ADU Inspection Checklist
• Building Division Note 34 Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (if you're building a JADU)

Reading these documents before you start your detailed design and plans can help avoid the frustrating and costly experience of having to alter your design after you already invested in creating plans.  

STEP #3
START YOUR APPLICATION ONLINE

Go to SJPermits.org to start the application. You will choose the project property address, provide a scope of work, and assign the “ePlan Applicant” who will be responsible for uploading all plans and documents and responding to all plan review comments. SJPermits will auto-email the ePlan Applicant with the steps to create an account in SJePlans.

STEP #4
UPLOAD PLANS & DOCUMENTS TO SJEPLANS

Only the ePlan Applicant can upload items to SJePlans and respond to plan review comments. View the SJePlan instructions, video tutorials, and file naming conventions on the Building Permits with Plan Review webpage. 

Before you upload, have your complete ADU Submittal Package ready. To sign documents digitally, use DocuSign or follow our digital signature instructions. Your package must include:

• Plans drawn in accordance with:
  - Bulletin #211 ADU Building Plan Requirements
  - Bulletin #213 Inspection Checklist for ADUs
  - #B-002 Detached ADU Fire Separation Distance Requirements
  
  
• A letter from your Water Company stating flow data at the hydrant closest to your lot; see Fire Requirements for instructions. Projects are often delayed because applicants do not get this letter. *It's easy to get the letter, so do this early in your project.* 
• Form 302 Address Assignment Request - Completed and digitally signed by the property owner or authorized legal representative.
  
  
• Form 312 ADU Property Owner Declaration - Digitally signed by the property owner. If your project is a JADU, please instead use Form 313 JADU Deed Restriction Agreement. Per County of Santa Clara County Recorder's Office, the JADU Deed Restriction Agreement is required to have a wet signature. The responsible party should complete, print, and wet sign the form and mail it to the address on the Agreement with attention to Supervising Planner.

STEP #5
PLAN REVIEW USING SJEPLANS

Once the building permit is issued, construction can begin. Your contractor should schedule appointments at the appropriate junctures for inspections.

For a successful inspection, please see the Bulletin #213 - Inspection Checklist for ADUs.

Be sure to complete the CDD Review & Final before scheduling a Building Final Inspection. For details, visit the Construction & Demolition Diversion (CDD) Program webpage.

Once construction is complete and the final building inspection is approved, congratulations, your ADU is ready for moving in!