PERMIT
Understand what’s required in your permit application
Know what to expect from application review
Get started on your application
Understand the types of fees you may need to pay
PROJECT TIMELINE
Most ADU projects take 12-18 months to complete, but some extend to 24 months or more. The Permitting phase typically takes 1-6 months.
PERMITTING FAQs
Here are a few of the most frequently asked questions about ADU permitting. See the content below and our ADU Guidebook for more guidance, resources, and tips for all steps of the process.
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ADU and JADU projects require plan check and a Building Permit. All materials are submitted together at the Permit Center. Properties in the Coastal Zone may first need to apply for a Coastal Development Permit, which could possibly require a hearing. If you're not following the traditional permit process and/or your project doesn't meet City standards (e.g., it exceeds size or height limits), you may need a special permit, which requires additional review and possibly a public hearing.
See more details about all permit materials below and in our Guidebook.
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ADUs do not require separate water and sewer connections, but the Public Works and Building Division may require homeowners to upsize service and or meters to meet capacity requirements. You can use the Newport Beach Address Search Tool to find your property’s utility providers.
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Adding parking is much less of a concern than it used to be. Parking is not required for a JADU or conversion, and a new ADU does not require additional parking if: 1) the property is within ½ mile walking distance to transit; 2) the property is within an architecturally or historically significant district; 3) on-street parking permits are required and not provided to the occupant of the ADU; 4) the property is located within one block of a car-share vehicle pick-up or drop-off location; or 5) it’s part of a new single-family or multi-unit development. See the Guidebook for more details.
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If your property is located in the Coastal Zone, a new ADU may require a Coastal Development Permit. The Newport Beach Address Search Tool will tell you if your property is in the Coastal Zone, and City staff will be able to guide you through any documentation required for your Coastal Development Permit package.
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In many or all cases, state law no longer allows cities and counties to comment on pre-existing zoning issues unrelated to the ADU. For example, you should not receive comments about correcting the main house or a fence unrelated to the ADU, unless there is an obvious public safety issue.
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Newport Beach’s Safe ADU program can help you legalize an unpermitted ADU or JADU, protecting you from code enforcement, fines, liability, and safety risks, and improving overall property value.
Under a new state law, homeowners can legalize most unpermitted ADUs as long as all health and safety issues are addressed. Take advantage of Safe ADU, receive a waiver of City permit fees (through 2024), and get advice from City planners on your property.
Visit the Safe ADU page for next steps.
PERMITTING YOUR ADU
Taking your design through the permitting process may seem overwhelming, but with thorough preparation and an understanding of what to expect, it can be straight-forward. Permitting starts with an application package and ends with a building permit, which signals your ability to start construction.
BEFORE YOU BEGIN
It’s helpful to meet with City staff before submitting your application. While not required, meeting with your designer and the city staff before you submit your application might save time later in the process. Contact us to schedule a meeting and check out our Exercises for help planning the meeting.
Prepare your application package
Your team will prepare a combined application package with the required documents for plan check and a Building Permit.
Coastal Zone properties may first need to apply for and receive a Coastal Development Permit (see our Guidebook for more details).
You’ll also be asked to submit:
A grant deed to verify ownership and legal description of the property.
A Housing Questionnaire with basic details about your ADU plus a projection of any rent you’ll be collecting. See an example here; you’ll be provided with an updated blank copy.
A deed restriction, signed and notarized, stating:
The ADU won’t be sold as a separate property
The ADU won’t be used as a short-term rental (such as AirBnB)
If building a JADU, the property owner will live on the property.
See an example here; you’ll be provided with a blank template.
Submit your application
Your application materials will be submitted in person at the Permit Center. (But you may soon be able to submit them via the City’s new City Virtual Connect (CiViC) portal.)
The City will review your complete application and send it to any other departments or agencies that need to review it as well. Plan Check fees are due at submission and range from $850 to $1,700, based on valuation for conversions and floor area for new construction, but these fees are waived through at least 2024 for ADUs – except if the ADU is part of an entirely new development.
Revise your application
The City will complete their review and provide any comments within 10-20 days. If the City requires any modifications to your plan, your team will revise and resubmit the application. Most projects require 2-3 rounds of review, each taking 10 - 20 days. You can check your permit status in the City’s CiViC Portal.
This is a great time to request an address assignment for your new ADU! Inquire with your assigned planner or see the details in our Guidebook.
Receive permits
Once your application is approved, you will receive your permits to start construction and pay your Building Permit fees (ranging from $850 and $2,100, based on valuation for conversions and floor area for new construction) along with any other relevant fees (see below). Building Permit fees are waived through at least 2024 for ADUs – except if the ADU is part of an entirely new development.
PERMIT & APPLICATION FEES
A variety of fees are required for ADUs, such as application fees, impact fees, and others, and the total amount depends on your property. Some fees are based on the details of the project while others are fixed. Surprisingly, the City does not control many of the most expensive fees, like school and water fees, which are assessed by other agencies and dependent on the size or location of your ADU. The fees listed below are often required, but see our Guidebook and/or contact the Planning Division for more information.
Plan Check fees* are due when your application is submitted
Building Permit fees* are due when your permit is issued
Other department fees vary by project; staff will let you know what applies to your project
School District fees apply to ADUs over 500 SF
Traffic Fairshare* and Transportation Corridor Fees apply to ADUs over 750 SF
Utility and sanitation fees vary by the size and location of your ADU. Contact utility agencies as you develop the design for your ADU for more information.
* City-based fees are waived for new ADUs through at least the end of 2024, unless the ADU is part of an entirely new development. State and other agency fees still apply. See fee waiver details here.
The total amount of fees depends on your property and plans. The Orange County ADU calculator can provide an estimate of fees for your project.
Explore the permitting process in detail in our ADU Guidebook
Your go-to, in-depth guide to building an ADU in Newport Beach, from inspiration to move-in.