Permits & Regulations

Bay Area Permit Guide.
City by City.

Every Bay Area city has its own building department, permit process, and ADU rules. Homee Renovation has navigated permits in 14+ cities — here's what you need to know before you start.

14+

Cities served

Across the Bay Area

150+

Permitted projects

Fully inspected & signed off

100%

Permit success rate

No rejected final inspections

Free

Permit management

Included in every project

Common Questions

What homeowners ask us most

Still have questions?

Our AI permit advisor knows the specific rules for every Bay Area city — ADU setbacks, height limits, fee schedules, and more. Ask it anything.

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City-by-City Guide

Permit requirements by city

San Francisco

SF Department of Building Inspection (DBI)

3–6 months (plan check)
Fees: $2,000–$15,000+ depending on project value
ADU allowed — ADUs up to 1,200 sqft allowed. No owner-occupancy requirement.
San Jose

San Jose Development Services

4–8 weeks (express) / 3–5 months (standard)
Fees: $1,500–$12,000 depending on project scope
ADU allowed — Detached ADUs up to 1,200 sqft. Attached ADUs up to 50% of primary dwelling.
Ask AI about San Jose →
Saratoga

Saratoga Community Development Dept

6–10 weeks
Fees: $2,500–$18,000 depending on project
ADU allowed — ADUs allowed. Saratoga has strict design standards — materials and colors must match main house.
Ask AI about Saratoga →
Cupertino

Cupertino Community Development

4–8 weeks
Fees: $1,800–$10,000 depending on project
ADU allowed — ADUs widely encouraged. Cupertino has streamlined ADU approval process.
Ask AI about Cupertino →
Los Gatos

Los Gatos Community Development

6–12 weeks
Fees: $3,000–$20,000 depending on project
ADU allowed — ADUs allowed. Hillside areas have additional restrictions.
Ask AI about Los Gatos →
San Mateo

San Mateo Building Division

4–8 weeks
Fees: $2,000–$14,000 depending on project
ADU allowed — Detached ADUs up to 1,200 sqft. Junior ADUs (JADUs) also allowed.
Ask AI about San Mateo →
Palo Alto

Palo Alto Planning & Development Services

6–10 weeks
Fees: $2,500–$16,000 depending on project
ADU allowed — ADUs strongly encouraged. Pre-approved ADU plans available from city.
Ask AI about Palo Alto →
Fremont

Fremont Development & Permit Services

4–8 weeks
Fees: $1,500–$10,000 depending on project
ADU allowed — ADUs up to 1,200 sqft. Attached ADUs up to 50% of primary.
Ask AI about Fremont →

Don't see your city? Ask the AI advisor — it covers all 50+ Bay Area cities.

Permit rules change frequently

California ADU laws, Title 24 energy requirements, and local ordinances are updated regularly. The information above is current as of early 2026 but may not reflect the latest changes. For the most accurate, city-specific guidance, use the AI advisor or contact Homee Renovation directly.

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Permit management is included free in every Homee Renovation project. We handle drawings, submissions, plan check responses, and final inspections.