ADU permit process in Scotts Valley, 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 Department
- Permit portal
- City Online Portal System
Step by step
- 1
Plan the ADU and confirm City/outside-authority requirements
Review the City manual and property constraints. Meet City staff if needed. Identify applicable Fire, water, sewer or septic requirements. Applicable zoning, Building and service-authority constraints
- 2
Prepare a custom or City-listed pre-reviewed design
Select a custom or pre-reviewed path. Prepare construction drawings and property-specific materials. Review the initial design with City staff as needed. Permit-ready application materials
- 3
Submit Building Permit application and plans in OpenGov
Register in OpenGov. Upload the application, plans and applicable supporting materials. Pay initial applicable fees when requested. City Building Permit application record
- 4
City Building plan check
Monitor the OpenGov record for City comments and status. Wait for City plan-check comments or approval. Plan-check comments or permit approval
- 5
Complete applicable Fire or utility requirements
Coordinate with the applicable separate Fire/water/septic authority or City Public Works when the parcel/project triggers its requirements. Applicable authority requirements or approval
- 6
Respond to comments and resubmit plans
Address plan-check comments. Resubmit revised plans through the assigned City process. Corrected package for re-review
- 7
Complete approval, outstanding fees and receive Building Permit
Resolve required comments and applicable authority conditions. Pay outstanding fees. Receive the issued Building Permit before work. Issued Building Permit
- 8
Select a contractor
Request and compare bids. Select a qualified contractor. Selected contractor
- 9
Construct under the issued permit
Build according to approved plans. Monitor work and have the contractor request City inspections. Permitted construction ready for inspections
- 10
Schedule and complete required City inspections
Use OpenGov as applicant or added guest. Select the permit/application and request a New Appointment. Monitor confirmation and inspection results. Inspection appointment confirmation and results
- 11
Pass final inspection before move-in or rental
Complete construction and obtain City final inspection approval. Move in or rent only after the ADU passes final inspection. Passed final inspection and City-described readiness for move-in
What you need to submit
- Building Permit application and construction plans
- Legalization Building Permit application, site plan, as-built plans and substandard-condition corrections — only in some cases
- Pre-reviewed-plan site-specific plan and supporting materials
Pre-approved ADU plans
Use Scotts Valley’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 Scotts Valley 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 live City Building Department page links the Master Fee Schedule FY 26/27 and identifies OpenGov as the permit-application and fee-payment system.
Accessed August 29, 2026
The City-hosted FY2026-27 Master Fee Schedule supplies current Building Permit and plan-check valuation scales and the named City and State surcharge formulas.
Accessed August 29, 2026
The City-hosted impact-fee sheet is effective July 7, 2026 and expressly states that ADUs 750 square feet and under do not pay DIF; it provides current base schedules by zoning/use category.
Accessed August 29, 2026
The City ADU Manual confirms that a compliant ADU needs a Building Permit without public hearing or discretionary review, gives the DIF and school-fee thresholds, and identifies utility and Fire District conditions.
Accessed August 29, 2026