ADU permit process in Healdsburg, 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
Step by step
- 1
Request optional One-Stop preliminary feedback
Bring the address, concept and site constraints Ask Planning, Building and Fire about current requirements Preliminary non-comprehensive feedback
- 2
Prepare plans and apply for the Building Permit
Prepare the ADU plan package Apply through City Civic Access Pay invoiced intake/plan-review fees when directed Submitted Building Permit application
- 3
Planning, Building and conditional Fire review
Monitor Civic Access and written City communications Provide requested information Approvals or written correction/information request
- 4
Respond to written correction or information requests
Revise plans Address Planning, Building and applicable Fire comments Use the City-directed resubmittal channel Corrected package returned for review
- 5
Record the City-required Declaration of Restrictions
Complete/notarize the City form Record it with Sonoma County Recorder Return/provide recording evidence as City directs Recorded land restriction
- 6
Complete City approvals and invoiced fees
Resolve remaining comments Pay invoiced fees Confirm recorded covenant and applicable Fire conditions Permit ready for issuance
- 7
Receive issued Building Permit, job card and plans
Print/download the issued documents available in Civic Access Do not begin construction before issuance Issued Building Permit and job documents
- 8
Construct under the issued permit
Build to approved plans Keep permit/job documents available Prepare for required inspections Work ready for inspections
- 9
Request and pass required Building/Fire inspections
Open the active permit Request an available inspection date Review failed-result information and correct work as directed Inspection approvals or correction results
- 10
Complete final inspections
Complete work and required inspection approvals Request applicable final inspections Resolve any final corrections Final approvals
- 11
Confirm current occupancy authorization and permit close-out
Follow City final/occupancy instructions Obtain any current City-required occupancy document before use City-confirmed permit close-out and any applicable occupancy document
What you need to submit
- Building Permit application and ADU plan package
- Acknowledgement/Declaration of Restrictions — only in some cases
- Issued Building Permit, job card and approved attachments
Pre-approved ADU plans
Use Healdsburg’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 plansProject-specific next step
Build your Healdsburg permit report
Choose your ADU type and size to bring the City process, researched permit fees, and early construction budget into one planning report.
Sources for this guide
- Accessory and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units — ADUs and JADUs
- Viewing Attachments in CSS
- Accessory Dwelling Unit and Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit Regulations
- Acknowledgement of Deed Restrictions on Accessory Dwelling Unit
- Fire Prevention
- Request an Inspection in CSS
- Online Building Permit and Inspection Services
Additional city reference pages
The City-hosted schedule gives historic FY2025-26 Building and ADU formulas.
Accessed August 29, 2026
The live City ADU page confirms Building Permit route, valuation basis, school-fee condition, and the greater-than-850-square-foot ADU impact-fee rule.
Accessed August 29, 2026
- CityFees
The live City Fees page directs Building and impact estimates to the Building Division/Public Works and requires project value and/or square footage.
Accessed August 29, 2026