Property-specific ADU planning
Santa Clara County · California
ADU planning for your San Jose property
Review available property information, identify what is still missing, and frame the local questions that must be confirmed before design, budgeting, permitting, or construction decisions.
Local authority and planning resources
For San José ADU planning, begin with the City’s Universal Checklist and Bulletin 210, then use SJPermits to check the responsible jurisdiction and application path for the property. City and state standards are separate paths and cannot be mixed; confirm whether the city standard in MC 20.80.175 or the state standard in MC 20.80.176 applies before relying on a checklist. The City also describes a Master Plan and preapproved-ADU path. San José has opted in to the AB 1033 condominium-conversion framework and describes a Parcel Map process, but that information is only a starting point—not an eligibility guarantee or a property-specific approval.
- City of San José — Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
Resource reviewed: 2026-09-07. Reconfirm requirements before applying.
- San José ADU Plan Review and Permit Process
Resource reviewed: 2026-09-07. Reconfirm requirements before applying.
- San José Bulletin 210 (PDF)
Resource reviewed: 2026-09-07. Reconfirm requirements before applying.
- San José Building Bulletins and Forms (including Bulletin 212)
Resource reviewed: 2026-09-07. Reconfirm requirements before applying.
- San José Preapproved ADUs
Resource reviewed: 2026-09-07. Reconfirm requirements before applying.
- San José SJPermits online permits
Resource reviewed: 2026-09-07. Reconfirm requirements before applying.
- San José SJePlans plan submittal and review
Resource reviewed: 2026-09-07. Reconfirm requirements before applying.
- San José ADU Condominium Conversions (AB 1033)
Resource reviewed: 2026-09-07. Reconfirm requirements before applying.
What should I prepare before speaking with a San José planner?
Start with the City’s Universal Checklist and Bulletin 210, then gather the property address, existing-condition information, proposed scope, drawings or site plan, and focused questions. The planner discussion can help identify the applicable path; it does not establish eligibility or replace required professional and agency review.
Can I combine San José city and state ADU standards?
No. The City materials distinguish the city standard in MC 20.80.175 from the state standard in MC 20.80.176. Confirm the applicable path through the City before using its checklist or preparing an application, and do not mix requirements from the two standards.
How do SJPermits and SJePlans fit into the process?
Use SJPermits to check the property’s jurisdiction and begin the City’s application path. The City’s process materials identify SJePlans for electronic plan submission and review responses. Follow the current agency instructions for the address and keep the applicant and correction-response responsibilities clear.
What should I know about the Master Plan or preapproved-ADU path?
The City describes Master Plan and preapproved-ADU options as an available planning path with its own submittal and site requirements. Review the current City materials and confirm what applies to the property. These are City-described resources, not a promise of same-day review, approval, schedule, or suitability from ADU California.
What does AB 1033 mean for a San José ADU condominium or Parcel Map?
San José’s AB 1033 page describes its opt-in condominium-conversion framework and Parcel Map process. Treat that page as informational only: a Parcel Map, condominium conversion, and any required approvals need property-specific confirmation from the City and qualified professionals and are not an eligibility guarantee.
What utility or water-flow questions should I raise early?
Ask the City and the responsible water provider which utility materials apply to the address, including any water-flow letter or hydrant information identified in the process materials. Confirm connection, capacity, and other utility requirements before relying on a concept or budget; this guide does not determine utility feasibility.
This is an informational guide, not an office-location listing or confirmation that ADU California accepts projects here. Contact the team to confirm availability. Parcel boundaries, hazards, utility capacity and site suitability remain unverified.
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.
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.