San José Advances Garage-to-ADU Conversions with Streamlined Permitting Process
San José is actively promoting the conversion of existing garages and basements into Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) or Junior ADUs (JADUs). The city's ADU Service outlines the process for these conversions, including those combined with other work on single-family homes. Applications are submitted through SJPermits.org, with plan uploads handled via SJePlans. The required plan set must adhere to the City's Bulletin 211. The submittal checklist for these projects includes a building permit application, an address request, and either an ADU owner declaration or a JADU deed restriction. A critical component for many projects is a letter from the water company providing flow data at the nearest hydrant, as its absence can cause significant delays in the permitting process. The city's initiative aims to simplify the creation of additional housing units within existing structures.
