Step 5: Development Application Submittal

The City will review your submitted development application and associated construction documents before granting approval to start construction. Various forms need to be prepared and submitted during this stage.

Action Items:

Prepare the ADU Planning Application
Submit the ADU Planning Application
Obtain approval of the ADU Planning Application
Submit a tree permit (if applicable)
Finalize building design
Prepare and submit construction documents for plan review
Obtain approval of building permit
Pay the appropriate permit fee and other applicable fees

APPLICATION AND PERMITTING TIMELINE

You must first submit your complete Planning ADU Application and plans to the Planning Division for review and approval. The Planning Division will verify your ADU complies with the applicable zoning requirements, such as setbacks, height, lot coverage, and floor area size. To learn how to submit your Planning Application online, please visit the link below:

PLANNING APPLICATION PROCESS

Once the Planning Division approves your ADU, you may submit your plans to the Building Division to obtain a building permit. The Building Division will route your project to other City Departments and Division, and outside regulatory agencies for review of compliance with the building code and other applicable requirements, such as water and sewer. This process is known as Building Plan Review. Once the Building Plan Review process is complete and it has been determined your project complies with all the requirements, you will be able to obtain your building permit to begin construction.

Application Step	Timeline
Planning Review	1-3 Weeks*
Building Plan Review	Roughly 1.5-2 months
Building Cycle 1 Review	20 Business Days*
Building Cycle 2 Review (if required)	15 Business Days*
Building Cycle 3 Review (if required)	5 Business Days*

Notes

* Customer response time to corrections is not accounted for in this table

To learn how the online building permit submittal process works, please visit the link below:

ONLINE PERMIT PROCESS DIAGRAM

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

Trees

Do you need to remove a tree in order to build your ADU? Sacramento City Code requires a Tree Permit before removing a certain size and species of trees located on private property. Please visit our Tree Permit webpage for additional information.

Tree Permit Webpage >>

New Address Requirement

All accessory dwelling units require a new address. A new address can take up to four weeks to receive.

City Addressing Identification Guidelines >>

Address Request Form >>

MEET WITH THE CITY

If you still have questions about the process, email or meet with a City Planner to learn more about the zoning standards and application requirements and process. You can email the City's Planning Division at planning@cityofsacramento.org or if you need in-person assistance, schedule an appointment at the planning counter by visiting this link. For questions about the building permit application and process, you can email the City’s Building Division at ezpermit@cityofsacramento.org.