Santa Clara County ADU FAQs

Write a sentence about who will live there and what they need in an ordinary week. Add two or three property photos and one question you want answered first.

A concept image helps you discuss light, layout and materials. Collect the parcel dimensions and the locations of buildings and utilities so a designer can test that idea against the actual site.

Gather any available original drawings, permit history and photos of the slab, walls, roof and driveway. Ask the designer and building department what would need to be assessed before the space could become a dwelling.

Trace a typical day for each household. Discuss entries, visiting family, shared meals, laundry, quiet hours and any mobility needs. Mark where you want independence and where a shared space would help.

Confirm the parcel’s jurisdiction using the city or county boundary map and local planning contacts. A mailing address can use a neighboring city name. Give staff the parcel number, street address and intended project type.

Ask the local program which drawings it has reviewed, what permission you need from the plan owner and what must be submitted for your site. Bring a sketch showing the building location, access and utility connections.

Photograph the route from the street, existing structures, utility equipment and the outdoor areas you want to keep. Mark the direction of each photo on a simple sketch so the team can understand the view.

Mark the trunk, canopy and garden areas on your sketch before placing a building. Ask the design team to compare layouts around them and the local office whether tree protections or permits apply.

Put both quotes against the same scope. Compare design and engineering, utility connections, finishes, site access and outdoor repairs. Flag allowances and exclusions where one quote includes work the other leaves open.

Ask the builder for the date each selection is needed for pricing, ordering and installation. Keep product references, lead times and substitutes together so a delayed decision is visible on the schedule.

Ask where workers, equipment and deliveries will enter. Agree on access, parking, the usual work hours and advance notice of planned service interruptions. Draw those arrangements on the site plan.

Ask for the agreed closeout documents, available inspection records, finish specifications, equipment manuals, warranties and the contact for unresolved work. Walk through controls and shutoffs before the crew leaves.