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HomeServicesADU Design and Permitting

Common project type

ADU Design and Permitting

Design and permitting turn a homeowner brief into coordinated project documents and an agency submission. The first deliverable should be a clear list of known information, missing inputs and responsibilities. A rendering alone is not a permit set.

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Before a proposal

Three things must become clear.

  1. 01Is this the right project type?
  2. 02What does this property require?
  3. 03What is included in writing?

A service page is an orientation tool—not a permit decision, survey, construction document, final price, or guaranteed schedule.

Build a documented design brief

Record intended use, capacity, access needs, preferred concept and budget assumptions. Check these against property records and identify the investigations needed before fixing a layout.

  • Who confirms boundaries and existing-building dimensions?
  • Which utility or hazard questions remain unresolved?
  • What would cause the concept to be revised?

Coordinate the document package

Identify the disciplines needed for this scope and who owns their coordination. Architectural, structural, energy, civil or other inputs should agree about dimensions, openings and systems where required.

  • What drawings and calculations are included?
  • Who resolves conflicts between consultants?
  • Are agency fees, surveys and additional studies included or separate?

Manage comments through a visible review path

Name the applicant and the person responsible for tracking corrections. Keep revisions, responses and approved documents organized so fabrication and construction use the correct set.

  • Who submits, tracks and answers review comments?
  • How are scope changes and additional review cycles handled?
  • What approval or document release is required before ordering materials?

Questions before choosing this scope

Does submitting plans guarantee approval?

No. The agency determines the review outcome. Incomplete records, corrections or additional studies can change the design and schedule; the scope should explain how those events are managed.

Can the online property result replace a survey or engineering?

No. It helps organize preliminary information and missing items. Required measurements, calculations and professional documents must be obtained for the actual project.

Resources for the next decision

These are planning resources, not a finding about your property. Confirm current requirements with the responsible agency.

  • California HCD ADU resources and handbook
  • Build a preliminary cost scenario
  • How cold-formed steel framing is coordinated

San Jose local permitting

Need San Jose ADU permits and plan-review guidance?

The San Jose flagship guide covers the 2026 Universal Checklist, City-versus-State development standards, SJPermits/SJePlans, fire-flow letters, preapproved plans, cost ranges, and property qualification.

San Jose ADU permit guide

The useful next decision

Confirm the property before committing to adu design and permitting.

A preliminary property review can identify available records, missing information, map corrections, and an early fit direction. Professional review still controls final design and approvals.

Have a specific property or question?

Share the address and intended use so the conversation starts with the correct context.

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Local planning guides

Explore planning questions by city. These guides do not confirm service availability or property eligibility. Check current records and agency requirements for the actual address.

  • San Jose
  • San Francisco

Let’s build your ADU

Your property.
Your next chapter.

Explore the possibilities for your California property.

Check my property
Architectural concept of a modern California ADU in a landscaped garden, shown in natural daylight
Design concept

Let’s talk about your project.

(650) 400-7606sales@adu.zone

San Jose office

84 West Santa Clara Street Suite 700
San Jose, CA 95113
(650) 400-7606Get directions

Walnut Creek office

1990 N California Blvd, 8th Floor
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
(925) 744-5040Get directions
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