GetYourPermit

ADU permit process in Atherton, California

Last verified August 29, 2026

Prepared by GetYourPermit editorial teamReport an error

This guide includes the portions of the City permit process that passed our evidence review. Confirm project-specific requirements with the City before submitting.

Where to apply

Department
Building Department
Permit portal
City Online Portal System
Contact
650-752-0560

Step by step

  1. 1

    Submit complete ADU Building Permit package via ePlan

    Submit Building Permit application, Square Footage Worksheet and required plans/documents Plan-check submittal

  2. 2

    Town reviews plans and conditions

    Provide City and conditional outside-agency materials Review outcome or returned-incomplete package

  3. 3

    Meet City prior-to-issuance conditions

    Provide required approvals and contractor business license Building Permit

  4. 4

    Inspect work and complete qualifying legalization

    For Amnesty path, schedule inspection, correct work and schedule final inspection Inspection outcome

What you need to submit

  • Pre-Approved ADU Building Permit Application

Pre-approved ADU plans

Use Atherton’s official page to confirm which designs, site conditions, and supplemental documents qualify. Plan-check timing still depends on the project and city review.

View pre-approved plans

Project-specific next step

Build your Atherton permit report

Choose your ADU type and size to bring the City process, researched permit fees, and early construction budget into one planning report.

Start my permit report

Sources for this guide

Additional city reference pages

  • CityTown of Atherton Master Fee Schedule, FY 2026-27

    Accessed August 28, 2026

  • CityMaster Fee Schedule

    The Town explains that building fees are based on a service-requirement factor and valuation table rather than market construction cost; it gives the current $550-per-square-foot new-habitable service requirement and plan-check example.

    Accessed August 28, 2026

  • CityAccessory Dwelling Units (ADU)

    The Town says it has waived a number of ADU permit fees but identifies separate external permitting/use fees from Menlo Fire Protection District, CalWater, Fair Oaks Sanitary, and West Bay Sanitary.

    Accessed August 28, 2026