ADU Amnesty Program

Have an Unpermitted ADU?  

To assist and encourage residents to legalize ADUs and JADUs constructed without inspections or permits, the City provides an ADU Amnesty Program.  The Program provides a pathway for qualifying ADUs to be legalized without penalties or enforcement actions.

Why Should I legalize My Unit

Benefits of Legalizing an ADU

  • Minimized Risks to Occupants: The permit and inspection process ensures that living spaces meet minimum life safety standards, providing peace of mind and reducing potential risks to tenants.

  • Reduced Liability: Unpermitted construction or illegal conversions are not covered by insurance in cases of property loss or damage from events like fires or earthquakes. Legalizing the unit protects you from this financial risk.

  • Increased Property Value: Only legally permitted units are recognized as improvements during appraisals, directly impacting refinancing or resale value.

  • Peace of Mind: Proper permitting eliminates worries about potential enforcement actions for unauthorized construction.

  • Enhanced Tenant Trust: Permitted ADUs include documentation verifying compliance with legal standards, offering prospective tenants assurance of quality and safety.

  • Fee Waivers: Investigation fees for addressing illegal construction or conversions are typically waived when you legalize the unit.

Program Eligibility Qualifications 

To assist in determining if your ADU qualifies for the ADU Amnesty Program, review the Assessment Checklist. 

ADU Amnesty Program Assessment Checklist 

Still Interested

If after completing the assessment you believe your ADU qualifies for amnesty, contact the Building Division at (916) 727-4760 to learn more about the steps necessary to legalize the unit.