What is the permit process?

ADU applications that meet all zoning ordinance requirements may be reviewed and approved by staff. Before starting such an application, staff recommends coming in to the public information counter to discuss the ADU regulations with Planning, Building, and Engineering teams.

As of January 1, 2026, all new ADU applications are subject to a two-step process involving a ministerial completeness review and subsequent approval/denial period. Please note that ADU projects requiring discretionary review (e.g., use permit) must complete the discretionary review prior to the ministerial review process.

The following timeline is applicable for all ministerial ADU applications moving forward:

• Initial completeness review of 15 business days (i.e., days that City Hall is open) to review and provide a determination of completeness.
• If deemed incomplete, each application resubmittal will initiate a new 15-business-day completeness review cycle. 
• Once deemed complete, and starting on the date that completeness is determined, staff will approve or deny the project within 60 calendar days. 
• If denied, the applicant will have the opportunity to resubmit and begin a new 60-calendar-day approval/denial review cycle.

The following checklist is required for new ADU applications:

• ADU Completeness Checklist(PDF, 257KB)