GetYourPermit

ADU permit process in Foster City, 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 Division
Permit portal
City Online Portal System
Contact
650-286-3227building@fostercity.org

Step by step

  1. 1

    Review City ADU reference materials and property-specific conditions

    Review City ADU topic page, checklist and applicable type information Use Planning appointment/contact access as needed For a pre-reviewed plan, confirm zoning and site-specific conditions City ADU reference materials and applicable site-specific review context

  2. 2

    Prepare and submit City ADU Building Permit application

    Fill out City-listed Building Application, ADU Neighbor Notification Form and ADU Survey Questions Prepare the submittal and use the applicable City checklist Submit through eTRAKiT or in person; in-person submittal requires four sets of plans Submitted Building Permit application

  3. 3

    City reviews application and site-specific ADU materials

    For City pre-approved reuse, submit a specific-address application, site-specific information, plans and additional documents For legalization, provide the City information needed for completeness and construction-date verification City review comments, a review-ready package, or a legalization pre-inspection route

  4. 4

    Address City correction comments or legalization deficiencies

    For pre-approved program review, resubmit requested materials until approved For legalization, correct listed violations before final permit finalization Corrected resubmittal or compliance work permit

  5. 5

    Pay City fees, record the Declaration of Restrictions and receive permit

    Pay fees through eTRAKiT Record a Declaration of Restrictions at the County Recorder's Office For qualifying legalization, satisfy pre-inspection requirements or receive a correction permit Issued Building Permit or legalization correction permit

  6. 6

    Schedule City building inspections and review results

    After permit issuance, schedule pre-construction inspection before construction or demolition Give at least 24-hour notice and check City eTRAKiT inspection information/results Scheduled inspection and City inspection result

  7. 7

    Receive City Certificate of Occupancy or finalize qualifying legalization

    For standard ADU workflow, receive Certificate of Occupancy after City inspection step For qualifying legalization, complete cited corrections and final inspection Certificate of Occupancy or finalized legalization permit

What you need to submit

  • ADU Neighbor Notification Form
  • Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Checklist — only in some cases
  • ADU Survey Questions
  • Building Application
  • Pre-Approved ADU Plans Program Checklist
  • Declaration of Restrictions recordation

Pre-approved ADU plans

Use Foster City’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 Foster City 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