ADU permit process in Vacaville, 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: 707-449-5152 permits@cityofvacaville.com

Step by step

1
Confirm City jurisdiction, parcel eligibility and site constraints
Verify the property is within Vacaville City limits Identify zoning, parcel dimensions, easements, existing structures/utilities and other constraints Consult Planning/Building for a property-specific determination Preliminary City-jurisdiction and site-feasibility direction
2
Choose a design route and prepare the property-specific permit package
Use a custom designer/design-build/modular route or select one of the four optional City preapproved plans Prepare plans and all applicable reports/forms For a preapproved plan, add the plot plan and all site-specific materials identified by the City Applicant-prepared Building Permit package
3
Submit the ADU Building Permit application, plans, documents and initial fees
Create/sign into eTRAKiT and initiate the Building Permit application Upload the unsecured compiled/indexed PDF plan set and applicable supporting files Pay applicable submission fees Submitted City Building Permit record
4
City checks application completeness and accepts/routes a complete package
Respond if intake identifies missing or inaccurate application material Complete application accepted/routed for City review or intake deficiency notice
5
Complete coordinated Building and Planning/code review
Monitor the active permit record Coordinate site-specific Building, Planning and any triggered Fire requirements Approval path or coordinated correction requirements
6
Revise and upload a permit-numbered subsequent submittal when requested
Review City correction requirements Revise plans/supporting documents Upload second/subsequent files using the City permit-number filename convention Corrected package returned for review
7
Obtain City plan/application approval and resolve remaining issuance conditions
Resolve applicable comments and conditions Confirm remaining fees and issuance requirements Approved plans/application ready for issuance requirements
8
Pay applicable remaining fees and obtain the issued Building Permit/approved plans
Pay applicable issuance-stage fees Obtain and retain the issued permit and approved plan set before construction Issued Building Permit and approved plans
9
Construct authorized work to the issued permit and approved plans
Begin only after Building Permit issuance Keep permit, approved plans and supporting documents on site Request inspections at required construction points Inspection-ready permitted work
10
Schedule and pass required Building inspections
Request by IVR, text or eTRAKiT no later than 3:00 PM on the prior business day for the desired date Confirm scheduled inspections and keep required documents available Correct failed/not-ready work and request reinspection Passed inspection or documented correction/reinspection need
11
Complete any project-triggered Planning, Fire, Public Works or outside-agency inspections
Review permit/approval stamps for required departments/agencies Schedule and complete only the final prerequisites that apply to the project Triggered department/outside approvals completed before Building final
12
Pass final Building inspection before ADU occupancy
Complete all required Building and triggered department/outside inspections Schedule and pass final Building inspection Occupy only after required inspections are signed off Final inspection sign-off supporting lawful occupancy

What you need to submit

AB 2533 Health and Safety Code section 17920.3 condition checklist and permit materials — only in some cases
Complete and accurate ADU Building Permit application package
Compiled, indexed, unsecured vector PDF plan set and applicable supporting documents
Selected City preapproved detached-ADU plan set — only in some cases
Property-specific plot plan and applicable civil, landscape, mechanical, truss, energy and other required materials — only in some cases
Permit-numbered corrected plans, supporting documents and applicable response to Planning conditions — only in some cases
Building Permit, approved plans and supporting documentation available on site

Pre-approved ADU plans

Use Vacaville’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 Vacaville 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

CityBuilding Fees
The live City Building Fees page links the current schedules and provides a public eTRAKiT estimate workflow specifically for ADU and JADU; it states that estimates are not actual fees and staff determine actual project fees at approval.
Accessed August 29, 2026
CityService and Facility Rental Fees, Fiscal Year 2026-27 — Extracted Section
The current FY2026-27 City schedule states its Council-approved adjustment and provides Building Permit valuation tiers, plan-check formulas, permit intake/records charges, and other conditional Building layers.
Accessed August 29, 2026
CityConnection & Development Impact Fees — Residential
The City’s current 2026 residential table gives City connection and impact layers by residential type, dwelling size, location, water rights, and density, while separately directing applicants to County and school-district authorities.
Accessed August 29, 2026
CityAccessory Dwelling Units (ADU)
The live City ADU page confirms the Building Permit and Planning-review path for attached, detached, and converted ADUs.
Accessed August 29, 2026