GetYourPermit

ADU permit process in Sunnyvale, 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
408-730-7444building@sunnyvale.ca.gov

Step by step

  1. 1

    Identify streamlined or non-streamlined review

    Confirm ADU type, size and site conditions against City review track Building-Permit-only or MPP-plus-Building-Permit route

  2. 2

    Obtain MPP when City non-streamlined review applies

    Submit MPP application to Planning Planning MPP decision

  3. 3

    Submit Building Permit application and documents

    Upload City-required application and construction documents Pay City-directed fees ADU Building Permit application

  4. 4

    City plan review and corrections

    Respond to plan-review comments and resubmit changes when requested Meet code requirements and pay applicable fees Approved Building Permit or MPP when City conditions are met

  5. 5

    Schedule required construction inspections

    Call or email City to schedule appropriate inspections during construction Inspection results

  6. 6

    City finalizes permit after compliant completion

    Complete construction according to approved plans Finalized permit

What you need to submit

  • Required ADU construction documents and complete plan set
  • Building and Fire Permit Application

Pre-approved ADU plans

Use Sunnyvale’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 Sunnyvale 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

  • CityApplications, Fees and Forms

    The live Permit Center page links the FY 2026/27 Building Permit Fees PDF.

    Accessed August 28, 2026

  • CityFY 2026/27 Building Permit Fees

    The current linked schedule publishes a valuation-tier building-permit table plus permit issuance, technology, plan-check, energy, and fire-prevention formulas.

    Accessed August 28, 2026