Apply for an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) on Lot with Single-Family Home

Pre-Approved ADU Plans Now Available!

Interested in using our no-cost, "off-the-shelf" ADU building plans? Learn more about our permit-ready ADU plans containing complete sets of construction drawings that conform to the latest codes!

What to Do

Permit Requirements

How to Apply

1. Review Zoning and Design Requirements

   No matter which category of ADU you choose, you need the applicable permits. All ADUs require Planning Permits and Building Permits.  When preparing to apply, take the following steps first.  

   Substep 1: Confirm Your Zone 

   The City of Oakland typically permits ADUs on properties located within residential or mixed-use zones. 

   • View our Zoning Map to confirm your property's zone.
   • Once you confirm your zone, view the Zoning Plan Requirements.
     • Note that creek areas and high-fire areas within the S-9 Zone have extra requirements
     • Be sure your project complies with Oaklands' Tree Preservation Ordinance (12.36 O.M.C.), Creek Protection Ordinance (13.16 O.M.C.), and California Green (CALGreen) Building Standards Code
     • Be sure to check for other possible requirements
   • If your property is zoned properly continue on to the next step, designing your ADU.
   • If you want to build an ADU, but it is not allowed in your zone, please review your zone’s requirements for possible exceptions and alternative plans. 

   Subtep 2: Design Your ADU(s) 

   General Requirements 

   • There are set requirements for size, location, and facilities that must be included in your plan. For example, you must provide the location, height and building materials of all existing and proposed fencing and walls.
   • Please review the Zoning Plan Requirements. These requirements differ from project to project but may include:
     • Topographical survey
     • Existing and proposed site plans
     • Floor plan
     • Elevations
     • Cross sections
     • Tree survey
     • Grading plan 

   Design Methods 

   Before you start building your ADU, you must create and get your ADU design approved. You can design your own ADU, or you can choose another way to design your ADU. 

   Although not required, a designer, licensed architect, or engineer is recommended to design the ADU and a licensed contractor to build it. Some companies provide both services. It is helpful when professionals have worked in Oakland and know the local permitting process. Contact references and look at the candidate’s previous work before making your selection. 

   • Use pre-approved designs: We now offer "off-the-shelf" pre-approved designs for use with properties that have Single-Family or Multi-Family homes. These permit-ready plans are complete construction drawings that conform to the latest codes. Using these pre-approved designs means the building permit process is quicker if your lot can house the ADU.
   • Upgrade pre-approved designs: You can also use pre-approved designs as a starting point for your project. Take a plan for a studio, one bedroom or two bedroom and customize it for your needs and lot. 

   Substep 3: Review Zoning Criteria Checklist

   • Please review the Zoning Criteria Checklist. These requirements include: 
     • Independent entrances
     • Minimum square footage
     • Making sure the ADU will not be used as a short-term rental 

   Once you have reviewed the Zoning Criteria Checklist, continue to the next step.

2. Zoning & Planning Permits

   Subtep 1: Submit Application Online

   Need assistance? Read our Guide to Applying for ADUs on Lots with Single-Family Homes or watch our instructional how-to video!

   Applying on behalf of a property owner? Complete and sign the Owner & Applicant Authorization Form (must be included with your application)

   • Once you have reviewed the Zoning Plan Requirements and Zoning Criteria Checklist, finalized your plans, and prepared any other project documents, you are ready to apply for your Zoning & Planning Permits.
   • Apply for Your ADU through our Online Permit Center*
     * NOTE: You'll need to register before applying (see "Create an Online Permit Center Account" info box above for details). Be sure that all info is filled out correctly and completely. If anything is missing, we will contact you. Incomplete applications may delay the approval process. 

   Subtep 2: Await Planning Approval 

   • Please wait while our team reviews your application and materials.
   • A team member will contact you if any information or paperwork is missing or unclear.
   • Once you receive written approval from our team, you are ready to move on to the next major step, your Building Permits. 

   Apply for Your ADU Watch our Apply for an ADU Video
3. Building Permits and Inspections

   Subtep 1: Complete Step 1 above, Zoning & Planning Permits

   Subtep 2: Prepare Your Permit Documentation 

   • Review Building Plan Requirements
   • Review the Building Criteria Checklist. This checklist includes requirements such as:
     • Fire separation distance
     • Room dimensions
     • Damp proofing
     • Boundary survey (as required)
     • Structural calculations (as applicable) 

   Substep 3: Apply for Your Building Permits 

   • Submit a Building Worksheet (BW) through our Online Permit Center*
     * NOTE: You will be taken to our login page first before you can submit a BW
   • You will pay the application fee and receive a BW number
   • Upload all required documents and materials to your BW
   • After you submit your application, a team member will email you if anything is missing or unclear
   • Once your application has been deemed complete, a Permit Application number will be issued and you will receive an email that includes permit fees due along with next steps
   • You may log in to your account anytime to monitor your permit status. Watch our video on how to check your permit status 

   Substep 4: Submit a Recycling Plan  

   • All Oakland building permits require an approved Recycling Plan (called a WRRP) before being issued. As soon as your Permit Application has been processed, a Green Halo project will be created for you and an invitation for the project will be sent to the email address you provided on your Permit Application.
   • Follow the directions in Green Halo to pay this fee and write a Recycling Plan for all debris your building project will generate. Learn More About Recycling 

   Substep 5: Work Out Utilities

   • Detached ADUs will need a sewer lateral permit to connect sewage service to the unit. For more information email DOTOnlinePermits@oaklandca.gov.
   • If the construction valuation is over $100K, then you must obtain an East Bay MUD Private Sewer Lateral Compliance Certificate (PSL)
   • Depending on whether the ADU appliances are vented appliances, you may also need a separate gas meter for the ADU.
   • Refer to the City’s General Building Code Requirements checklist to verify and log on to PG&E’s online customer service portal to apply for new electric and/or gas service.  

   Substep 6: Await Final Review & Receive Permits!

   • Once we receive your application and have created it in our system, we will review your plans. If your plans require corrections or if we need further information, we will contact you.
   • When both Zoning and Building requirements receive final approval, you will get an email to print your permit, inspection card, and plans. These need to be kept on the building site.
   • Depending on our workload and the project's complexity, processing time may vary from when we receive a completed application to when we issue your permit. Please visit our Average Permit Processing Turnaround Times page for details. 

   Substep 7: Start Building and Inspecting 

   • You can now start building!
   • Inspections can be attained throughout the building process. You can group them or ask to get them done individually. Ensure you keep your inspection card handy because the inspector needs to sign off on each inspection.
     • Our inspectors can review your progress within a day of calling or using the app to schedule an inspection. If an inspection is not approved, you can schedule another inspection as soon as the problem is resolved.
   • Once you have completed your project, but before the final inspection, your final report about recycling needs to be submitted. Open Green Halo and use the "Add Tickets" button to upload receipts and report all items you recycled or disposed of in this project.
     • Once you have uploaded all Re-Use and Recycling and Disposal tickets to your Green Halo project, your recycling Summary Report is ready to be submitted to the City.
   • Once all of your inspections are complete, your ADU is approved!
     • You will not receive an email about your final inspection unless there is a problem.
     • Inspections will process your official Certificate of Occupancy after the final inspection and mail it to the owner's address on file.
   • You are now ready to start enjoying your new ADU!

Need to Know

QUESTIONS?
 

Call (510) 238-3911 or find quick answers through our Permit & Services Questions Portal. You may also schedule an appointment with Permit Counter staff during open hours.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

• Accessory Dwelling Unit Handbook by Housing & Community Development
• City of Oakland Municipal Code - Title 17 Planning
• City of Oakland Interactive Zoning Map
• Building Permits
• City of Oakland Municipal Code - Buildings and Construction