ADU Service

Effective Oct. 30, 2023, ADU Service users will follow a new, streamlined process, outlined below. You no longer need to schedule a submittal appointment.

If you are looking for general information about accessory dwelling units (ADUs), junior accessory dwelling units (JADUs), preapproved ADUs, or help from our ADU Ally, please visit our All About ADUs webpage.

If you wish to schedule a Tiny Home on Wheels project submittal, please email adu.ally@sanjoseca.gov.

QUALIFYING PROJECTS

Projects that qualify for this ADU Service include:

• Construction of a new ADU or JADU
• Garage conversion to ADU or JADU
• Project scopes with additions or alterations to an existing residence plus construction of an ADU or JADU

START YOUR ADU PROJECT APPLICATION

Please first read this page in full and then you will start your permit application at SJPermits.org and upload your plans to SJePlans. Follow instructions for Building Permits with Plan Review.

At SJPermits.org - For Permit Type, enter:

• Application Group: Building
• Folder Type: 1 & 2 Family Detached Dwellings
• Sub Type: 2^nd Unit Added
• Work Type: New Construction
  

ADU SUBMITTAL CHECKLIST

Prepare the items listed below before you self-start your permit application at SJPermits.org. These required documents will be uploaded at SJePlans.

• IMPORTANT: SJePlans has specific file formatting and naming requirements. Please refer to Building Permits with Plan Review - Instructions
  
  
• To sign forms electronically, see these instructions.

1. Form 310 Building Permit Application - We highly recommend that the contractor complete and sign this application as whoever pulls the permit bears the liability for the construction work.
   
   
2. Form 311 Owner-Builder Acknowledgement and Verification of Information Form - To be completed and signed by the property owner.
   
   
3. Form 312 ADU Property Owner Declaration - To be 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.
   
   
4. Form 302 Address Assignment Request - Signed by the property owner.
   
   
5. Electronic plan submittal package prepared as instructed in Bulletin 211 ADU Building Plan Requirements and Building Division Directive #B-007 Detached ADU Fire Separation Distance Requirements
   
   
6. A letter from your Water Company stating flow data at the hydrant closest to your lot, as explained under Fire Requirements. Many projects get delayed because of failure to get this letter. It's easy to get, so request it today!
   
   
7. Be ready to provide fee payment. See the Building Fees webpage for applicable fees.

RESUBMITTALS 

For SJePlan users - During the plan review process, you may need to make corrections and resubmit your plans. For ADU applicants who used SJePlans to upload your original plans, you will also use SJePlans to resubmit corrected plans. Learn how by watching the video, Respond and Resubmit Task - Building SJePlans/ProjectDox  

If you did not upload your original project plans through SJePlans and you need to respond to plan review comments and/or resubmit your plans, follow the instructions on the Resubmittal/Revision Service page.  

REVISIONS 

If the scope of your project changes after your building permit has been issued (or approved for issuance), you will need to submit revised plans. 

For SJePlan users, email: PlanRevisions@sanjoseca.gov and include your permit number and the scope of your proposed revisions. After staff have processed your request, you will receive an email notification from SJePlans inviting you to upload and submit your revised plans. 

If you did not upload your original project plans through SJePlans, follow the Submittal of Revisions to Permitted Plans instructions on our Resubmittal/Revision Service page.