ADU permit process in Sebastopol, 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 Department
- Permit portal
- City Online Portal System
Step by step
- 1
Confirm parcel feasibility and current City requirements
Discuss the concept and parcel with Planning before preparing final construction documents Use the current City ADU page and confirm any additional approvals Parcel-specific preliminary direction
- 2
Prepare and submit the Building Permit application and plans
Prepare the current City-required application and plan package Upload submittal documents through the City portal when accepted electronically Provide any required hard copies as City staff directs Application package presented for intake
- 3
Complete intake and application-fee payment
Pay the application fees using the City-directed method Confirm the City has treated the application as submitted Submitted application ready for review or intake deficiency notice
- 4
Complete Planning and Building plan review
Monitor the portal and City communications Provide requested clarifications Review comments, additional conditions or approval path
- 5
Respond to City correction or additional-information requests
Revise plans and supporting materials Use the resubmittal method stated in the active City record Corrected package returned for review
- 6
Complete City requirements and receive the Building Permit
Resolve review comments and applicable conditions Pay City-directed remaining fees Obtain the issued permit before construction Issued Building Permit
- 7
Construct under the issued permit and approved plans
Build only after permit issuance Follow the issued plans and City inspection instructions Work ready for required inspections
- 8
Complete City-required construction inspections
Request inspections through the City-directed channel Review inspection results Correct failed items as City directs Inspection results
What you need to submit
- Building Permit application
- Site-specific engineering and soils supplements for the selected City pre-reviewed plan — only in some cases
- Project statement, site/architectural plans, photographs and applicable supporting documents
Pre-approved ADU plans
Use Sebastopol’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 Sebastopol 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
- ADORE Crema 660 1-V Information for Pre-approval
- ADORE Crema 660 1-V Specifications
- Building & Safety
- Accessory Dwelling Unit Checklist and Standards
- A Guide for Accessory Dwelling Units, Junior ADUs, and Home Rental Regulations
- Housing & Homelessness — Accessory Dwelling Units and Pre-Approved ADU Plans
- City of Sebastopol Online Permit Center
- Pre-Reviewed ADU Plans Program
Additional city reference pages
The live official Building & Safety page identifies the online permit route and actively links the City's January 2026 ADU price list as an estimate resource.
Accessed August 29, 2026
The City-hosted January 2026 document shows example ADU cost stacks and explicitly labels totals as estimates; it is not an adopted current fee schedule.
Accessed August 29, 2026
The City-hosted numeric fee schedule is FY2025-26/effective July 1, 2025. It is historical because that fiscal year ended before this research access date.
Accessed August 29, 2026