ADU with Multi-Family Home

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are attached or detached homes on the same lot as a primary residence. They have areas for living, sleeping, eating, cooking and sanitation. They can't be used for short-term stays of less than 30 days.

Please note that while ADUs on two to four multi-family properties have been referred to as multi-family ADUs, one ADU cannot house multiple families.

Take the time to figure out which ADU fits your needs and budget. Three types of ADUs on a multi-family property are classified by the construction of new or the use of existing facilities. Please review the categories of ADUs on a multi-family property:

• Category One ADU: Converting a non-habitable space in an existing Multi-Family Residential Facility. Includes storage rooms, boiler rooms, passageways, attics, basements or garages.
• Category Two ADU: Either constructing a new, detached structure or converting /rebuilding an existing detached structure on lots with an existing Multi-Family Residential Facility. Can't expand the square footage.
• Category Three ADU: Constructing a new ADU or converting an existing accessory structure attached to a primary Multi-Family Residential Facility. This type of ADU prevents the creation of any other ADU types on the lot.

Please note that Changes of Occupancy regulations for the California Existing Building Code (CEBC) may apply when adding ADUs.

No matter which category of ADU you choose, you need to get the applicable permits. All ADUs require Planning Permits and Building Permits. When preparing to apply, take the following steps first.

Step 1: Confirm Your Zone

The City of Oakland typically permits ADUs on properties located within residential or mixed-use zones.

• View our Zoning Map to confirm your property's zone
• Once you confirm your zone, view the zoning plan requirements in the application(PDF, 2MB).
  • Note that creek areas and high-fire areas within the S-9 Zone have extra requirements
  • Be sure to check for other possible requirements
• If your property is zoned properly continue on to the next step, designing your ADU.
• If you want to build an ADU, but it is not allowed in your zone, please review your zone's requirements for possible exceptions and alternative plans.

Step 2: Design Your ADU(s)

General Requirements

• There are requirements for size, location, and facilities that must be included in your plan. For example, you must provide the location, height and building materials of all existing and proposed fencing and walls.
• Please review the Zoning Plan Requirements on the application(PDF, 2MB). These requirements differ from project to project but may include:
  • Topographical survey
  • Existing and proposed site plans
  • Floor plan
  • Elevations
  • Cross sections
  • Tree survey
  • Grading plan

Design Methods

Before you start building your ADU, you must create and get your ADU design approved. You can design your own ADU, or you can choose another way to design your ADU.

Although not required, a designer, licensed architect, or engineer is recommended to design the ADU and a licensed contractor to build it. Some companies provide both services. It is helpful when professionals have worked in Oakland and know the local permitting process. Contact references and look at the candidate's previous work before making your selection.

• Use pre-approved designs: We now offer "off-the-shelf" pre-approved designs for use with properties that have Single-Family or Multi-Family homes. These permit-ready plans are complete construction drawings that conform to the latest codes. Using these pre-approved designs means the building permit process is quicker if your lot can house the ADU.
• Upgrade pre-approved designs: You can also use pre-approved designs as a starting point for your project. Take a plan for a studio(PDF, 2MB), one bedroom(PDF, 2MB) or two bedroom(PDF, 2MB) and customize it for your needs and lot.

Step 3: Review Zoning Criteria Checklist

• Please review the Zoning Criteria Checklist on the application(PDF, 2MB). These requirements include:
  • Independent entrances
  • Minimum square footage
  • Making sure the ADU will not be used as a short-term rental

Once you have completed the Zoning Criteria Checklist, complete Step 1 in the application. Please ensure that all information is filled out correctly and completely. If you are missing information, our team will contact you; this may delay the approval process.

You will need an Online Permit Center account to submit worksheets and relevant documents and access all your important paperwork in one location. With your account, you can:

• Research property and permit history
• Apply for Planning and Building permits
• Pay permit fees
• Check on the status of your permit(s)
• Print-issued permits
• Download Fire Inspection reports

Creating an account is very simple. Head to our Online Permit Center page and click "Register|Login." Please view our video tutorials if you need assistance setting up your account or step-by-step instructions for common processes and procedures used in the Planning & Building Department.

• Once you have completed your application(PDF, 2MB) and reviewed the zoning plan requirements and the Zoning Criteria Checklist, you now need to log in to your Online Permit Center account if you have not already.
• Fill out a Zoning Worksheet
• Upload your completed application and related materials (site plans, required documents, etc.)

• Please wait while our team reviews your application and materials.
• A team member will contact you if any information or paperwork is missing or unclear
• Once you receive written approval from our team, you are ready to move on to the next major step, your Building Permits.

Obtain Planning and Zoning permits for your project.

• Review the Building Plan Requirements
• Review the Building Criteria Checklist on the application(PDF, 2MB). This checklist includes requirements such as:
  • Fire separation distance
  • Room dimensions
  • Damp proofing
  • Boundary survey (as required)
  • Structural calculations (as applicable)

Fill out the Building portion of the application(PDF, 2MB). Avoid common mistakes such as not filling out the application completely or excluding key information (i.e. dimensions, etc.)

• Log into your Online Permit Center account
• Fill out the online Building Permit application
• Upload all required documents and materials on the Building Criteria Checklist
• Pay the permit fee(s) and submit your application
• After you submit your application, a team member will contact you if anything is missing or unclear
• Once your application has been deemed complete, a team member will notify you of the permit fee balance due
• You may log in to your account anytime to monitor your permit status. Watch our video on how to check your permit status

• All Oakland Building Permits require an approved Recycling Plan (called a WRRP) before being issued. As soon as your Permit Application has been processed, a Green Halo project will be created for you and an invitation for the project will be sent to the email address you provided on your Permit Application.
• Follow the directions in Green Halo to pay this fee and write a Recycling Plan for all debris your building project will generate.

Learn More About Recycling

• Detached ADUs will need a sewer lateral permit to connect sewage service to the unit. For more information email DOTOnlinePermits@oaklandca.gov.
• Depending on whether the ADU appliances are vented appliances, you may also need a separate gas meter for the ADU.
• Refer to the City's General Building Code Requirements checklist to verify and log on to PG&E's online customer service portal to apply for new electric and/or gas service.

• Once we receive your application and have created it in our system, we will review your plans. If your plans require corrections or if we need further information, we will contact you.
• When both Zoning and Building requirements receive final approval, you will get an email to print your permit, inspection card, and plans. These need to be kept on the building site.
• Depending on our workload and the project's complexity, processing time may vary from when we receive a completed application to when we issue your permit. Please visit our Average Permit Processing Turnaround Times page for details.

• You can now start building!
• Inspections can be attained throughout the building process. You can group them or ask to get them done individually. Ensure you keep your inspection card handy because the inspector needs to sign off on each inspection.
  • Our inspectors can review your progress within a day of calling or using the app to schedule an inspection. If an inspection is not approved, you can schedule another inspection as soon as the problem is resolved.
• Once you have completed your project, but before the final inspection, your final report about recycling needs to be submitted. Open Green Halo and use the "Add Tickets" button to upload receipts and report all items you recycled or disposed of in this project.
  • Once you have uploaded all Re-Use and Recycling and Disposal tickets to your Green Halo project, your recycling Summary Report is ready to be submitted to the City.
• Once all of your inspections are complete, your ADU is approved!
  • You will not receive an email about your final inspection unless there is a problem.
  • You will receive an official Certificate of Occupancy after final inspection.
  • You are now ready to start enjoying your new ADU!