ADU permit process in Alameda, California
Alameda County, California
Prepared by GetYourPermit editorial teamReport an error
We haven’t written Alameda’s permit guide yet.
We publish permit process guides one city at a time, and we would rather publish nothing than guess at Alameda’s rules using another city’s process. Permit steps, submittal requirements, and review timelines are set locally, so a guide copied from a neighboring city would be wrong in ways that cost you time.
Here is what is useful for Alameda right now.
See the fee estimate for AlamedaStart here instead — official and primary sources for Alameda
Live official-page verification confirms that ADU permit fees vary primarily by ADU size and project valuation and that the City does not apply Development Impact Fees to ADUs or JADUs.
Accessed August 28, 2026
The City Finance page live-verifies the current FY 2026-27 Master Fee Schedule link.
Accessed August 28, 2026
Live official-page verification confirms that the City provides an ADU Building Permit Fees document and identifies separate potential agency reviews, including Alameda County Environmental Health, PG&E, Alameda Municipal Power, Alameda Unified School District, and others.
Accessed August 28, 2026
What to ask the Alameda building department
- The current building permit fee schedule, and the date it took effect.
- Whether development impact fees apply at your square footage — many California cities waive them for ADUs of 750 sq ft or less.
- Plan submittal requirements: what drawings they expect, in what format, and whether submittal is online or in person.