Contra Costa County · California
Lafayette ADU guide: local rules, permits & property planning
Lafayette splits responsibility: the City handles planning and zoning, while Contra Costa County handles the building permit. A complete project needs coordinated submissions to both agencies.
Local planning guide · Reviewed October 2, 2026
What matters for an ADU in Lafayette
Permitting authority: City of Lafayette — ADU permit categories
Official local guidanceLocal rules and design checks
| Topic | Local guidance |
|---|---|
| ADU classification | Lafayette identifies three ADU classes based on factors including construction type and whether the unit is attached. |
| Property records | The City’s building-permit guidance requires a title report prepared within the preceding six months for ADU applications. |
| Review order | Obtain the City’s zoning clearance before submitting stamped plans to County Building Inspection. |
Selected local requirements, not a complete zoning determination. Confirm the current rules for your address with the responsible agency.
Fees and budget checks
Lafayette advertises reduced ADU fees through 2026. Confirm eligibility and the applicable City amount, then budget County Building Inspection and any sanitary or fire charges separately; the City says other agencies maintain their own schedules.
Lafayette ADU fee-reduction informationHow to start the permit process
Establish the ADU class with City Planning, submit the title report and zoning package, then send City-stamped plans through Contra Costa County’s ePermits Center for building review.
Municipal permit example
Lafayette preapproved-plan workflow
The City’s PADU instructions explicitly preserve City zoning review before the County application, even for a preapproved design.
View the original sourceLafayette ADU questions
- Does Lafayette issue my building permit?
- Contra Costa County provides building inspection services; Lafayette provides the planning approval that precedes the County submission.
- What property document should I order early?
- Lafayette identifies a title report prepared within six months as an ADU submittal requirement.
Sources for this guide
- City of Lafayette — ADU permit categories
- Lafayette ADU fee-reduction information
- Lafayette preapproved-plan workflow
- Lafayette building permits and agency fees
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 Lafayette 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.