GetYourPermit

ADU permit process in Santa Clara, 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
408-615-2440building@santaclaraca.gov

Step by step

  1. 1

    Confirm zoning and conditional Planning requirements

    Use MapSantaClara or contact Planning Confirm ministerial criteria and any conditional approval Zoning and approval scope

  2. 2

    Submit Building Permit package through POP

    Prepare drawings Apply via POP and pay plan-check fees Building Permit application

  3. 3

    Building and necessary agency plan review

    Monitor POP status Address needed agency requirements Plan-review result or requested corrections

  4. 4

    Correct and resubmit as required

    Submit accurate/complete corrections and documents Resubmittal for regular or pre-approved review

  5. 5

    Satisfy conditions and download issued permit

    Complete prior-to-issuance conditions and fees Download permit card, approved plans and documents from POP Issued permit and approved documents

  6. 6

    Schedule inspections through POP

    Link POP account to permit Select category, type, date/time and confirm Scheduled inspection

  7. 7

    Pass final inspections to complete project

    Schedule all final inspections on the same day Completed project

What you need to submit

  • Pre-Approved ADU Checklist and combined site-specific/pre-approved plan set
  • ADU Building Permit site-specific plan set and supporting documents
  • Recorded JADU deed restriction

Pre-approved ADU plans

Use Santa Clara’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 Santa Clara 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

  • CityFY 2026/27 Municipal Fee Schedule

    The City FY 2026/27 schedule was adopted April 21, 2026. Its Building Division section, dated July 7, 2026, has separate scaled plan-review and permit tables for additional dwelling units, a $101 issuance fee, and stated surcharge rules.

    Accessed August 28, 2026

  • CityFee Payments

    The live City Permit Center page, last updated July 1, 2026, directs users to the Municipal Fee Schedule for current fees and rates.

    Accessed August 28, 2026

  • CityPre-Approved ADU Plans

    The City identifies its pre-approved ADU program but requires a site-specific permit application; it does not state a separate general fee amount.

    Accessed August 28, 2026