Start with the Universal Checklist
Use San José’s ADU page to find its checklist and project review sequence. Keep notes on items you need city staff or a design professional to clarify.
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SAN JOSÉ • SANTA CLARA COUNTY
San Jose ADU Services
Imagine the walk from your front gate to a second home. In San José, the city’s ADU Universal Checklist is a practical companion to that first sketch.
Explore the details ↓
At a glance
Make a working site sketch
Mark existing buildings, the proposed footprint and the route to the street. Add photos of the spaces where utilities, access or privacy need a closer look.
Compare your starting options
The city publishes information on pre-approved designs. Compare a candidate layout with your living priorities before asking about site-specific drawings.