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How to Legalize Your ADU  

1. Contact Us. Have questions about legalizing your unit? Email property address to Nancy Concepcion or call Nancy at (831) 420-5112 to review your property, the legalization process, and typical timeframe. A meeting can be scheduled to review any documentation you have. It is recommended that you obtain a copy of the “Residential Building Records” at the County Assessor’s office at 701 Ocean Street prior to the meeting (see Legalization Documents for form). 
2. Site Inspections – Optional. Only for units built before January 1, 2020 and 5 Year Code Delay requested. Complete Checklist.

   In the Notice of Corrections/ Determination Notice/ Notice of Violation of an Unpermitted Dwelling Unit, AND if the unpermitted accessory dwelling unit was built before January 1, 2020, per State Law, you may apply for a five year stay of enforcement. The Property Owner is required to complete the Checklist (LINK) and pay FEES for an Inspection (range $75 - $250 per inspection). There may be supplemental reports required to be prepared by a structural engineer, a licensed plumber or electrician to verify the unpermitted unit’s safety. Also, evidence to confirm facts and substantiate statement of an item on the checklist may be required.

   NOTE: In cases where it is determined that there is a health and safety concern, the stay will not be granted. 

3. Plan Submittal and Fees. You will need to find a design professional to prepare plans. Plan specifications and submittal details are on the City website (LINK) under Applying for a Building Permit.  A yearly inspection while going thru the process to legalize the unit to verify no health and safety concerns that are discernable is required. NOTE: This yearly inspection does not legalize the unpermitted unit; only plans and final of a building permit will. In general, the legalization of the unpermitted unit is typically completed within a year of the submittal. 
4. Inspections. Once your building permit has been issued, timely inspections will be expected. Compliance Assessments will be done. NOTE: As an unpermitted unit the City of Santa Cruz has the ability to issue and charge for Compliance Assessment. (see Fee Schedule)