ADU permit process in San Anselmo, 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 & Safety
- Permit portal
- City Online Portal System
Step by step
- 1
Determine ADU Permit branch
Compare the project with Section 10-6.103(c) exemptions Confirm whether an ADU Permit is required Direct-Building or Planning-plus-Building route
- 2
Submit and obtain conditional Planning ADU Permit review
Submit the online Planning application, fees and ADU plan set Respond to any written deficient-item comments Ministerial ADU Permit approval or written denial comments
- 3
Submit Building Permit application and plans
Create or use an eTRAKiT account Apply for the Building Permit Upload one complete plan set and separate supporting files Pay the applicable plan-check fee Complete Building package routed for departmental review
- 4
Coordinated departmental Building plan review
Wait for code-compliance review Provide project-specific information requested by reviewers Department approvals or plan-check comments
- 5
Address comments and resubmit
Address all emailed correction items Upload revised plans Include a transmittal letter mapping every response to a sheet and correction Resubmittal for re-review
- 6
Complete applicable outside-agency and site reviews
Obtain applicable sewer, water, grading, right-of-way and fire requirements Applicable agency permits, approvals or conditions
- 7
Obtain all applicable approvals
Complete Planning approval when required Resolve Building and applicable departmental comments Record the JADU restriction when applicable Project ready for remaining issuance requirements
- 8
Complete fees and issuance instructions
Follow the Town's ready-to-issue instructions Pay remaining fees Provide any deferred contractor information or documents Issued Building Permit and Town-stamped plans
- 9
Construct under the issued permit
Keep work consistent with Town-stamped plans Submit plan revisions when issued-plan changes are needed Work ready for required inspections
- 10
Schedule and complete inspections
Log in to eTRAKiT after permit issuance Schedule an AM or PM inspection Keep the inspection card, Town-stamped plans and a person on site Review results and correction notes Inspection results and any correction notes
- 11
Complete applicable final requirements
Pass applicable final inspection Complete the ABAG ADU Homeowner Survey Satisfy project-specific Planning, Public Works or Fire conditions Final approvals needed for close-out
- 12
Receive applicable occupancy/close-out confirmation
Do not occupy until all applicable Town final and Certificate-of-Occupancy requirements are satisfied Permit finalization and conditional Certificate of Occupancy
What you need to submit
- Online Planning application form and Planning review fees — only in some cases
- Planning ADU plan set — only in some cases
- Coordinated Building Permit application and construction documents
- JADU deed restriction — only in some cases
- ABAG ADU Homeowner Survey
Pre-approved ADU plans
Use San Anselmo’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 San Anselmo 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
Additional city reference pages
The Town’s effective FY2026-27 fee page provides Building valuation, plan-review, MEP, surcharge, and conditional affordable-ADU waiver rules.
Accessed August 28, 2026
The live Town ADU page identifies the exempt Building-only route and the administrative Planning ADU Permit route.
Accessed August 28, 2026
The Town ADU ordinance establishes the under-750-square-foot impact-fee exemption and 750-plus proportional rule.
Accessed August 28, 2026