California Construction Permit Directory

ADU notes · Standard Plan Program offers preapproved detached ADU sets that cut review to ~4 weeks. JADUs are restricted to within the existing dwelling envelope. No owner-occupancy through 2025.

Structural · Hillside Ordinance applies above the BHO line — adds geotech and grading review. Soft-story retrofit required for many pre-1978 multifamily.

ADU notes · Unincorporated LA County uses a streamlined ADU plan check. School fees collected at final inspection — budget separately.

Structural · Fire Hazard Severity Zone overlays apply in foothills — ignition-resistant construction required.

ADU notes · Coastal Zone parcels south of Wilshire require Coastal Commission concurrence — adds 6–10 weeks. Stricter green building standards.

ADU notes · Hillside R-1 lots have strict grading limits. Discretionary design review for any exterior changes visible from a public street.

Structural · Mansionization ordinance limits FAR — confirm before adding any second-story addition.

ADU notes · Landmark District overlays require Design Commission review for exterior work on contributing properties — adds 4–8 weeks.

ADU notes · Citywide preapproved ADU plan set available — review can close in 3–5 weeks. Coastal zone (Belmont Shore, Naples) adds Commission review.

ADU notes · Hillside lots in Verdugo and Chevy Chase require geotech reports. School fees collected separately.

ADU notes · ADU rear-yard setbacks reduced to 4 feet per state law. Streamlined plan check for under-750-sqft units.

ADU notes · ADU + state-density bonus pathway is the fastest route. Mandatory neighborhood notification adds 30 days for many projects.

Structural · Mandatory soft-story retrofit applies to wood-frame buildings with 5+ units and ≥3 stories built before 1978.

ADU notes · Pre-approved ADU plans available. Wildland-Urban Interface zones in the hills require ember-resistant construction.

Structural · Soft-story retrofit program active — confirm parcel status before purchase.

ADU notes · All-electric reach code — no new gas connections. Landmarks Preservation review required in many districts.

ADU notes · Master ADU Program offers 17 preapproved plan sets — 3-week plan check. Garage conversions exempt from many setbacks.

ADU notes · Tree-protection ordinance applies — adds arborist review fees. Strict story-pole noticing for two-story ADUs.

ADU notes · Streamlined ADU review under 800 sqft. Mission San Jose district has historic overlays — confirm before exterior work.

ADU notes · ADU fee waivers for units under 750 sqft. Hayward Fault zones require geotech for new foundations.

ADU notes · Reach code requires all-electric appliances. Hillside review applies in Sugarloaf and Hayward Park.

ADU notes · Pre-reviewed ADU plan sets available. SLR-zone parcels east of Bayshore require flood-elevation review.

ADU notes · ADU streamlining for units ≤1,200 sqft. Septic system capacity is the most common deal-breaker on unincorporated parcels.

Structural · WUI fire zones cover most of the county — Class A roof + ember-resistant vents required.

ADU notes · Hillside view-corridor ordinance is the dominant constraint. Most lots require Design Review Board hearing.

ADU notes · Tree ordinance + hillside design review on most parcels. WUI compliance is mandatory citywide.