GetYourPermit

ADU permit process in Fresno, California

Last verified August 28, 2026

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The Planning and Development Department administers Fresno's ADU Program, offering five pre-approved plan designs (three elevation styles each) that skip the separate Zone Clearance step and go straight to a Building Permit application. Both pre-approved and custom ADU plans are submitted through the Accela Citizen Access online portal. State law requires the city to approve or deny a complete ADU application within 60 days when there's an existing single-family or multifamily dwelling on the lot.

Typical timeline

State law requires the city to approve or deny a complete ADU application within 60 days when an existing single-family or multifamily dwelling is on the lot; using a pre-approved plan is intended to shorten plan check by skipping custom design review.

Where to apply

Department
City of Fresno Planning and Development Department
Permit portal
Accela Citizen Access
Office
2600 Fresno Street, Room 3043, Fresno, CA 93721
Contact
(559) 621-8077adu@fresno.gov

Step by step

  1. 1

    Choose pre-approved or custom design

    Select one of five pre-approved ADU plans (340-1,015 sq ft, Craftsman/Contemporary/Gable elevations) or commission a custom design.

  2. 2

    Prepare the site/plot plan

    Prepare a pre-construction plot plan per the Permit Application Packet instructions, including fire protection review considerations.

  3. 3

    Gather required forms

    Complete the Property Owner Release and Waiver and Permit Signature Affidavit from the Permit Application Packet.

  4. 4

    Submit online via Accela Citizen Access

    Submit the application, plot plan, and required forms directly for a Building Permit (Zone Clearance is no longer required as a separate step).

  5. 5

    Completeness review

    City staff reviews the submittal for completeness; incomplete packages get an 'Additional Info Required' status requiring resubmission.

  6. 6

    Plan check and fee payment

    Pay initial plan check and issuance fees; plan checkers review for code compliance.

  7. 7

    Permit issuance

    Permit issued once plan check is complete and fees are paid.

  8. 8

    Construction and inspections

    Build per approved plans and schedule required inspections through completion and final sign-off.

What you need to submit

  • Completed ADU Permit Application Packet
  • Plot/site plan
  • Property Owner Release and Waiver
  • Permit Signature Affidavit
  • Pre-construction site plans for fire protection review

Fresno ADU rules at a glance

Height
Up to 16 ft for detached ADUs; up to 25 ft if attached to the primary home (secondary source)
Parking
Generally one space per ADU bedroom, exempt if within a half-mile walk of a public transit station (secondary source)
Max size
Up to 1,200 sq ft for detached/attached ADUs (secondary source)
Setbacks
Reported as approximately 4-5 ft from side and rear property lines depending on source (secondary, not confirmed on an official page)

Pre-approved ADU plans

Fresno publishes pre-approved plan sets, which can shorten plan check.

View pre-approved plans

Practical tips

  • Pre-approved plans already include solar panel provisions and skip the separate Zone Clearance step, saving time.
  • Fire sprinklers may be required depending on the primary residence's sprinkler status or proximity to property lines -- confirm this before finalizing your site plan.
  • Use the city's ADU Cost Estimator tool (available on the ADU Program page) to budget before applying.
  • Contact the ADU Hotline (adu@fresno.gov / 559-621-8077) early with site-specific questions.

Sources for this guide

Additional city reference pages