GetYourPermit

ADU permit process in Woodside, California

Last verified August 29, 2026

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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
Contact
650-851-6796projectmanagers@woodsideca.gov

Step by step

  1. 1

    Confirm property-specific ADU or pre-approved-plan suitability with Planning

    Meet with a Town Planner about property-specific ADU opportunities Before purchasing or using a design, ask Planning whether it meets Town development standards and code requirements Property-specific guidance; for qualifying pre-approved design, Town-agency suitability confirmation before Building submittal

  2. 2

    Email Building Permit application and submittal materials to the Building Department

    Email the Building Permit application and submittal materials to projectmanagers@woodsideca.gov Pay required fees by the City-published payment methods Accepted Building Department submittal

  3. 3

    Building Department reviews the Building Permit submittal

    Respond through the applicable Town process if further materials or corrections are requested Building Department review outcome

  4. 4

    Building Department issues the Building Permit under the applicable Town process

    Complete any Town-published issuance requirements when provided for the project Building Permit

  5. 5

    Schedule Building inspections at least 72 hours in advance

    Request inspection through eTRAKiT, phone, or Building email Provide property address, permit number, and inspection type Inspection request and result

What you need to submit

  • Building Permit Application
  • Building Submittal Checklist — only in some cases

Pre-approved ADU plans

Use Woodside’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 Woodside 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