Homeowner TA: Important Information Handout Template

Interested in building an ADU?

Here are some important things to keep in mind.

What’s an ADU?

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are separate residential units located on the same lot as a primary home. They can be internal to, attached to, or detached from the primary home on a property and must include a kitchen and a bathroom along with living space. The property owner does not need to live in the primary home or the ADU (with some limited exceptions).

Fees

You will have to pay a variety of fees for your ADU project, including application review, utility connection, and impact fees. Total fees typically range from [$XXX to $XXX] and depend on the size and type of ADU. Internal ADUs converted from other existing living space generally have the lowest fees and new detached ADUs tend to have the highest fees. Typical fees may include:

• Permit Fees: May include building permit, plan review, and other planning fees. Check the fee schedule [add location/URL, or other source for estimating fees].
• Impact fees: Will be charged by various agencies and departments, including [parks, transportation, public works, etc.]. Impact fees can total over [$xx,xxx] and can be found [add location/URL, or other source for finding impact fees.]
• Tap Fees/Utility Connection Fees: [Add information about where to find tap fees/utility fees – it’s okay to simply say “Contact your utilities for fees related to water, sewer, and electrical service.”]

Important Requirements and Special Circumstances

[Note: This is an important place to list all of the most common hurdles, difficulties, or special conditions that a homeowner should know about early in the process of developing an ADU. In some places, that might be identifying their fire hazard level, where in others it might be contacting the utility companies. In a community with particularly small lots, assessing dimensional standards might be an important first step. The following are all examples - edit and add as relevant.]

• Solar Requirements: Solar panels may be required for newly constructed ADUs 500 square feet or larger. Contact the [Planning/Building Department/Division] for more information at [contact info].
• Water: [Water District] charges a fee of [$XXX] for ADUs that require a separate water line. Talk with your design team and contact the [Water District and/or Provider] early in the process.

Special opportunities:

• Pre-Approved Plans: Using one of our pre-approved plans can save you time and money in the design and permitting processes! See available plans at [URL].
• Accessible and Visitable ADUs: ADUs with accessibility features (for people with disabilities or seniors) may be eligible for reduced fees and expedited review times, particularly if you use one of our accessible pre-approved plans. See details at [URL].
• Affordable ADU Rentals: When you commit to renting your ADU to someone who works in [Jurisdiction], you are eligible for reduced permitting fees. See more information at [URL].

Special circumstances: If your property or project needs to address any of these common site issues, talk to staff early in the process.

• Historic Districts: If your property is in a designated Historic District, you are required to submit extra materials about your ADU during permitting. See more information at [URL].
• Fire Safety: If your property is in a Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Fire Severity Zone there may be additional permits and requirements.
• Hillside Sites: More detailed drawings may be required for ADUs on a hillside. If extensive grading is needed, a grading permit may be required.
• Septic Systems: If you have an onsite septic system, you may need additional permits. Upgrades can add time to your project and may come with a large price tag. Talk to the [Department of Environmental Health or other department] early on about requirements.