FREE DOWNLOAD · 4-PAGE CHECKLIST
KASITA CRAFTERS — FREE GUIDE
KASITA CRAFTERS — FREE GUIDE
The ADU Permit
The ADU Permit
Checklist
Checklist
Everything to confirm before you apply for an ADU permit in California — zoning, setbacks, utility hookups, and the mistakes that cause delays.
Everything to confirm before you apply for an ADU permit in California — zoning, setbacks, utility hookups, and the mistakes that cause delays.
01
01
Does your lot qualify? Zoning & eligibility
Does your lot qualify? Zoning & eligibility
02
02
Setbacks, utilities & what to submit
Setbacks, utilities & what to submit
03
03
The common mistakes that stall approvals
The common mistakes that stall approvals
04
04
Your realistic permit timeline
Your realistic permit timeline
Kasita Crafters — homes for everyone
Kasita Crafters — homes for everyone
kasitacrafters.com
kasitacrafters.com
PART 1 — ZONING & ELIGIBILITY
Does your lot qualify?
Does your lot qualify?
Since 2020 (AB 68, AB 881, SB 13), ADUs are allowed by right on most California residential lots. Confirm the basics before you design anything.
Since 2020 (AB 68, AB 881, SB 13), ADUs are allowed by right on most California residential lots. Confirm the basics before you design anything.
Your lot has a single-family or multi-family residence
Your lot has a single-family or multi-family residence
⚠ PRO
City's max ADU size checked (state allows up to ~1,200 sqft)
City’s max ADU size checked (state allows up to ~1,200 sqft)
ADU count confirmed — most lots allow 1 ADU + 1 Junior ADU
ADU count confirmed — most lots allow 1 ADU + 1 Junior ADU
Owner-occupancy not required (removed statewide for ADUs)
Owner-occupancy not required (removed statewide for ADUs)
Height limit reviewed — detached ADUs generally up to 16 ft
Height limit reviewed — detached ADUs generally up to 16 ft
HOA CC&Rs reviewed for any restrictions
HOA CC&Rs reviewed for any restrictions
⚠ PRO
Historic district or overlay zone flagged
Historic district or overlay zone flagged
⚠ PRO
REMEMBER
Rules vary by city and change often. Verify with your local building department — we confirm yours during your free evaluation.
Rules vary by city and change often. Verify with your local building department — we confirm yours during your free evaluation.
Kasita Crafters — ADU Permit Checklist
Kasita Crafters — ADU Permit Checklist
Page 01 of 03
Page 01 of 03
PART 2 — SETBACKS, UTILITIES & SUBMISSION
What to confirm and submit.
What to confirm and submit.
4 ft side and rear setbacks for new detached ADUs
4 ft side and rear setbacks for new detached ADUs
⚠ PRO
Front setback matches your primary residence
Front setback matches your primary residence
Utility plan decided — water, sewer, and electrical
Utility plan decided — water, sewer, and electrical
Water meter / sewer capacity confirmed with provider
Water meter / sewer capacity confirmed with provider
⚠ PRO
Parking — none required within ½ mile of transit
Parking — none required within ½ mile of transit
Site plan, floor plan & elevations ready (prefab includes these)
Site plan, floor plan & elevations ready (prefab includes these)
Title 24 energy compliance docs included
Title 24 energy compliance docs included
Structural calcs for units over 500 sqft or on a foundation
Structural calcs for units over 500 sqft or on a foundation
TYPICAL PERMIT TIMELINES
Pre-approved city plans
Pre-approved city plans
21–30 days
21–30 days
Standard single-family lot
Standard single-family lot
30–60 days
30–60 days
Junior ADU (converted space)
Junior ADU (converted space)
2–3 weeks
2–3 weeks
Complex lots / older infrastructure
Complex lots / older infrastructure
60–120 days
60–120 days
Kasita Crafters — ADU Permit Checklist
Kasita Crafters — ADU Permit Checklist
Page 02 of 03
Page 02 of 03
PART 3 — BEFORE YOU SUBMIT
Five things that stall approvals.
Five things that stall approvals.
Avoid these five and your application moves through cleanly. Every one of them is in your control.
Avoid these five and your application moves through cleanly. Every one of them is in your control.
01
01
Skipping the pre-application meeting with your building dept
Skipping the pre-application meeting with your building dept
02
02
Underestimating utility upgrades — undersized meter or sewer
Underestimating utility upgrades — undersized meter or sewer
03
03
Missing the 4-ft setback on a tight lot
Missing the 4-ft setback on a tight lot
04
04
No drainage plan for the pad
No drainage plan for the pad
05
05
Forgetting Title 24 or structural docs on units over 500 sqft
Forgetting Title 24 or structural docs on units over 500 sqft
Kasita handles the permit package for you.
Kasita handles the permit package for you.
Pre-drawn plans, Title 24, structural sign-offs, and HCD certification come done. You provide the site and utility info — we handle the rest.
Pre-drawn plans, Title 24, structural sign-offs, and HCD certification come done. You provide the site and utility info — we handle the rest.
BOOK YOUR FREE EVALUATION →
Kasita Crafters — ADU Permit Checklist
Kasita Crafters — ADU Permit Checklist
Page 03 of 03
Page 03 of 03