GetYourPermit

ADU permit process in Walnut Creek, 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
925-943-5834Buildingtech@walnutcreekca.gov

Step by step

  1. 1

    Confirm City and outside-agency requirements

    Review City ADU/JADU requirements and submittal materials Contact utilities about possible connection fees Optionally meet City Planner Project-specific guidance and identified conditional approvals

  2. 2

    Create Accela account and submit Building Permit application

    Register/sign in to City portal Upload construction plans and documents in PDF Online Building Permit submittal

  3. 3

    City screens submittal

    Provide a complete, correctly formatted submittal Auto-issuance eligibility or routing for review

  4. 4

    Necessary City departments review plans

    Pay plan-review fee if City notifies it is required Plan-check comments or approval notification

  5. 5

    Receive comments and resubmit when requested

    Review emailed plan-check comments Follow City resubmittal instructions Resubmittal or approval notification

  6. 6

    Clear pre-issuance conditions and pay fees

    Clear City and applicable outside-agency conditions Pay applicable permit fees For JADU, record deed restriction before issuance Issued permit and downloadable stamped plans/permit card

  7. 7

    Request and confirm Building inspections

    Request inspection online, by email or phone Confirm inspection morning time window Inspection request and confirmation

  8. 8

    Complete final conditions and certificate of occupancy requirements

    Clear remaining permit conditions before final inspection Certificate of occupancy for applicable PRADU project

What you need to submit

  • ADU/JADU Building Permit submittal package
  • Selected PRADU plan set, completed cover sheet, site plan and PRADU liability waiver
  • Recorded JADU deed restriction

Pre-approved ADU plans

Use Walnut Creek’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 Walnut Creek 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