San Jose ADU permits and budget preparation

Identify the proposal before asking for fees.

Record whether you are considering a detached ADU, an attached proposal or a conversion. Include the property address, current plans and known existing conditions. An estimate based on a different proposal may not describe the costs you face.

The city provides an ADU resource hub and a building-permit fee page. Use them to find the appropriate process and current fee-estimate instructions rather than relying on an older published price.

Keep the fee categories separate.

Ask for an itemized picture of permit and review fees, other agency charges and utility-provider requirements that apply. Do not assume an exemption from one category removes all fees. School fees and development impact fees have different rules; check the current HCD handbook and the relevant authorities for your proposal.

Keep design services, investigations and contractor scope outside the fee subtotal. This makes it easier to compare a city fee estimate with the full project budget without confusing the two.

Prepare a focused set of questions.

• Which application path applies to this unit type and property?
• Which documents are needed for a complete submittal?
• Which fees are known and which require further review?
• What utility information is still needed?
• Who will respond to comments and keep the plans current?

Bring the property into the conversation.

Sami & Sons is based in San Jose. Share the address and intended work so our team can discuss the scope and current coverage with you. Our primary focus is additions, new homes and substantial residential work across the Peninsula, West Valley and the other cities listed on our website.

There is no universal approval date or construction budget for every ADU. The useful next step is to identify the proposal, the information already available and the questions that need an answer.