ADU permit process in San Rafael, 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
Review City ADU/JADU resources and site constraints
Review City ADU/JADU page and City-hosted checklists For pre-approved-plan use, confirm parcel is outside City-listed hillside, WUI, geology and tsunami conditions City resource and conditional site-review scope
2
Submit Building Permit application through OpenGov
Use City OpenGov for a new permit application City Building Permit application
3
City review of Building Permit or pre-approved master plan
For master-plan program, submit City-required package electronically Review outcome or request for further information
4
Revise and resubmit when City requests changes
Use City current permit service for revisions/resubmittals Resubmitted review package
5
Schedule inspections through OpenGov
Schedule inspection through City OpenGov Inspection scheduling

What you need to submit

Pre-approved master plan package and parcel-specific site plan
Pre-approved master plan submittal package

Pre-approved ADU plans

Use San Rafael’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 San Rafael 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

CityMaster Fee Schedule
The live City landing page identifies the Council-adopted schedule as effective July 1, 2026 and links the Building, Planning, and MEP schedules.
Accessed August 28, 2026
CityBuilding & Safety Services
The City-linked current schedule lists valuation bands for building permits, structural plan check at 65% of the building permit, a 5% software fee against all permit fees, and state-mandated charges.
Accessed August 28, 2026
CityPlanning Service Fees
The City-linked planning schedule sets building-permit plan checks at 20% of the permit fee and distinguishes multifamily and other planning review rates.
Accessed August 28, 2026
City2026 Development Impact Fees and Affordable Housing In-Lieu Fees
The updated City handout sets an ADU park/recreation rate and transportation-mitigation rate, each with a less-than-750-square-foot exemption condition.
Accessed August 28, 2026
CityAccessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) & Junior ADUs (JADU)
The City FAQ states ADU/JADU planning fees are included in the building application and based on total project-cost valuation; it also identifies impact, general-plan, street-maintenance, and bedroom-tax waivers below 750 square feet.
Accessed August 28, 2026
CityNew OpenGov Permitting System
The City states that new Building, Planning, Code Enforcement, and Fire Prevention applications are accepted exclusively through the OpenGov portal from February 23, 2026.
Accessed August 28, 2026