Every ADU built in California requires a building permit — there is no legal path around it. But the process, cost, and timeline vary significantly between jurisdictions. This guide answers the questions Sacramento, Roseville, Folsom, Granite Bay, and other California homeowners ask us most often: do you really need a permit, what does it actually cost, how long does approval take, and how do you apply.
Architectural site plan, floor plan, and elevations
Structural engineering calculations and details
Title 24 energy compliance documentation
MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) plans
Service area: Sacramento, Sacramento County
How we deliver ADU Permits California 2026
Every project runs through the same five-stage process, so you know what happens next and what it costs before construction starts. We handle design, engineering, jurisdictional plan check and construction under one contract, which keeps the schedule and the budget with a single accountable team.
Stage 1 — Site walk and feasibility: setbacks, utilities, easements and lot coverage reviewed on site
Stage 2 — Fixed-scope proposal: line-item pricing with permits, utility connections and finishes included
Stage 3 — Design and engineering: architectural plans, Title 24 energy calcs and structural engineering
Stage 4 — Permitting and plan check: submittal, corrections and approvals handled by our office
Stage 5 — Construction and closeout: weekly updates, final inspection, certificate of occupancy and warranty
Common questions about ADU Permits California 2026
The three questions homeowners ask most, answered plainly. Pricing reflects 2026 Sacramento-region construction costs including permits, utility connections and standard finishes.
How much does an ADU cost? Most detached ADUs land between $135,000 and $255,000 all-in, depending on size and site conditions.
How long does it take? Design and permitting typically run 3–5 months; construction runs 4–7 months after permits are issued.
Do you handle permits? Yes — plan check submittal, corrections and inspections are managed in house at no extra hourly cost.
Can I rent it out? California state law allows ADUs to be rented at 30-day-plus terms in every jurisdiction we build in.
Why homeowners choose A1 for ADU Permits California 2026
A1 Building Contractors LLC is a veteran-owned, CSLB-licensed general contractor based in Roseville, CA. We design, permit and build ADUs, garage conversions, home additions and custom homes across the Sacramento region, with transparent line-item pricing and a single point of contact from first site walk to final inspection.
CSLB #1094366 General Contractor · DRE #00898265 Broker
Serving Sacramento, Placer, El Dorado, Yolo and Sutter counties
In-house design, permitting, plan check and construction
4010 Foothills Blvd Ste 103-155, Roseville, CA 95747