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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

• 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.