ADU guide
ADU Permit Timeline
The overall schedule includes design, application preparation, agency review, permit issuance, construction, and inspections. Ask both the reviewing agency and the professional for current expectations specific to your project.
Requirements depend on your property and the agency reviewing it. Confirm current details with that agency before finalizing plans.
Questions to consider
- Allow time to measure the garage and prepare drawings
- HCD describes a 60-day decision period for an ADU or JADU application after a complete application is received, subject to conditions and exceptions; it is not the construction schedule.
- Ask the agency when the application is complete and whether any delay or other special process applies.
- Ask what makes an application complete and who will respond to comments
- Confirm fees and the steps to permit issuance
- Plan inspection milestones and the contractor schedule separately from agency review
Official resources
Common questions
Does submitting plans mean I can start construction?
An application is not an issued permit. Ask the reviewing agency which approvals are needed before beginning work.
Who responds if the City requests changes?
Your contract should identify who prepares revisions, communicates with the agency, and pays for any additional services.
San Diego County projects
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