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Dublin ADU guide: local rules, permits & property planning
Dublin’s 2026 checklists spell out meter separation, waste-management documentation and a fee-waiver form. Its prototype-plan route has its own checklist rather than eliminating the property submission.
Local planning guide · Reviewed October 2, 2026
What matters for an ADU in Dublin
Permitting authority: City of Dublin — 2026 ADU/JADU submittal checklist
Official local guidanceLocal rules and design checks
| Topic | Local guidance |
|---|---|
| Utility meters | The checklist calls for separate electric and applicable gas meters for attached and detached ADUs, excluding JADUs. |
| Waste management | The checklist requires a waste-management plan when project valuation is at least $100,000. |
| Contractor information | A contractor’s City of Dublin business license must be current. |
Selected local requirements, not a complete zoning determination. Confirm the current rules for your address with the responsible agency.
Fees and budget checks
Dublin requires its ADU Permit/Plan Check Fee Waiver Form for all ADUs regardless of size. A form is not proof that every fee is waived: Building asks for valuation and new floor area to estimate building, plan-check and school charges.
Dublin ADU fee-waiver and estimate instructionsHow to start the permit process
Request the City’s electronic upload instructions, complete the permit worksheet and fee-waiver form, and submit architectural, structural and energy materials through Dublin’s self-service portal.
Plan resource
Dublin’s eight prototype styles
The prototype checklist identifies eight styles and lists the title-sheet, site-plan and professional-document items that must be completed for the selected design.
View the original sourceDublin ADU questions
- Do JADUs follow the separate-meter instruction?
- The City’s 2026 checklist expressly excludes JADUs from that instruction.
- Can prototype plans be submitted without site information?
- No. Complete the site, title-sheet and supporting-document items in the prototype checklist.
Sources for this guide
Local sources reviewed October 2, 2026. Historical examples retain their stated dates. Contact ADU California to confirm project availability; this guide does not establish an office location or property approval.
A useful first review
Separate what is available from what still needs verification.
01
Confirm the property
Start with a complete address and review the available parcel, building, and map context.
02
Identify the unknowns
Keep missing setbacks, easements, utilities, access, hazards, and local requirements visible.
03
Choose the next review
Use the preliminary result to prepare a focused conversation with the required professionals and agencies.
Explore project types
Compare the scope before choosing a solution.
These pages explain the questions each project type introduces. They do not assert that a particular scope is permitted or suitable for your address.
Compare planning footprints
See common ADU sizes before choosing a design.
These model pages are planning references only. They are not a statement that a particular size is allowed or buildable at a Dublin address.
California directory
Explore more city guides.
The next useful action
Put your address at the center of the conversation.
The online review is preliminary and is not a permit decision, survey, engineering opinion, construction document, final price, or guaranteed schedule.