1. Gather documentation verifying that the ADU or JADU was constructed/converted before January 1, 2020. The construction/conversion date may be established with one or more of the following forms of documentation:
   • The County Assessor’s initial date recognizing the unpermitted dwelling unit
   • Escrow documents identifying the unit and the year of construction
   • Prior official Building, Planning, or Code Enforcement records of the unit
   • Real estate transfer disclosure forms for unpermitted unit
     
     

   If the above information is not available, then a combination of the following can be utilized to establish the construction/conversion date:

   • Insurance documents
   • Notarized letters from previous owners or tenants
   • Photos dated, showing approximate time of construction
     
     
2. Verify that no open Code Enforcement or other departmental violations are present for the ADU or JADU. 

1. A Licensed Contractor must complete the AB2533 Substandard Housing Checklist. This checklist will need to be submitted accompanying the plans, for verification and review.
    
2. Any substandard or noncompliant items identified by the Substandard Housing Checklist shall be addressed in the submitted plans.

Your application will be composed of two files: a Plans (PLN) file, and a Supplemental (SUP) file. The typical content of each file type is listed below. Your project may have additional requirements depending upon your project and parcel.

PLN File (Plan File): Prepare a set of plans that includes:

1. Cover Sheet - The cover sheet should identify 1) the address and owner of the property; 2) any applicable building codes 3) the construction/conversion date; and 4) the scope of work stating that this is a legalization of an unpermitted ADU or JADU pursuant to AB 2533.
2. Site plan - The site plan must be formatted 18" x 24" minimum, and clearly identify the parcel property lines, location of the existing primary dwelling, and the ADU. Plans should indicate the distance to property lines from the ADU, distance to other structure(s) on the parcel, and distance to the curb of the sidewalk from the ADU.
3. Floor Plans and Supporting Information - The plan must be drawn to scale with all rooms labeled, showing interior partitions, doors and windows, stairs, etc.  Plans must include the square footage of the ADU, number of stories, number of bedrooms, number of bathrooms, number of kitchens, current utility connections (either gas and/or electric), the foundation type (concrete slab, continuous perimeter footings or pier-and-block, etc.), the potable water source (private well, private provider, or County source), and the sanitary connection (onsite septic or public sanitation).
4. Exterior Elevations - Plans should clearly show the dimensions of the front entrance door and all bedroom windows.
5. Foundation Plan with typical foundation details
6. Floor Framing Plan with typical framing details
7. Roof/Ceiling Framing Plan with typical connection details
8. Lateral Force Resisting System - Plans should clearly show holdown types and shear wall location. Plans should include shear wall details at roof, floor, and foundation locations. 

SUP File (Supplemental Documents File)

1. Submit documentation of the ADU or JADU’s construction date (refer to Step One).
2. Submit the completed AB2533 Substandard Housing Checklist
3. Any other required supplemental documents.

Once you have prepared your application files, submit them through the City's online application portal. 

1. For detached ADUs only, the application package must also be submitted to the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District in addition to the City. 
    
2. Once all reviewers have approved the application and any outstanding fees have been paid, your building permit will be issued.
    
3. At the first Inspection, your inspector will verify the submitted Substandard Housing Checklist. If during inspection substandard conditions are observed, they must be addressed by submitting a revision permit to the original building permit. 
    
4. For conditions that are unable to be verified or inspected because they are concealed behind finish materials, further exploration may be required, including, but not limited to removal of finish materials.