Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are one of the most common permit projects Bay Compliance Group handles across the Bay Area. And for good reason — the permit process for an ADU is more involved than most homeowners expect.
What Permits Does an ADU Require?
Depending on your city and project scope, an ADU typically requires:
- Building permit (structural, electrical, plumbing, mechanical)
- Planning department approval (setbacks, lot coverage, height limits)
- Utility connections (water, sewer, electrical service upgrades)
- Fire department review in some jurisdictions
The Most Common Causes of ADU Permit Delays
- Incomplete plans: Missing details on the application trigger correction letters that can add weeks to your timeline.
- Zoning conflicts: Not every lot qualifies for an ADU under current zoning. Finding this out after you submit wastes months.
- Wrong department submissions: Some cities require simultaneous submissions across multiple departments. Missing one adds a full plan check cycle.
- No follow-up: Plan checkers are busy. Applications that sit without someone checking on them fall to the bottom of the queue.
How Bay Compliance Group Handles ADU Permits
We do not just drop off your documents and walk away. We stay with the application throughout the entire process — tracking it through plan check, responding to corrections immediately, and coordinating with your contractor and city departments to keep things moving.
Cities We Handle ADU Permits In
Fremont · Oakland · San Jose · Hayward · Santa Clara · San Francisco · Pleasanton · Dublin · Palo Alto · San Mateo · and more.
Ready to get your ADU permit moving? Call Sultani at (510) 417-9089 — Mon–Sat 7AM–8PM.