Building Permit and Development Impact Fees

We highly recommend contacting the Building Division to obtain an estimate of all applicable permit and development impact fees. Based on project-specific criteria, Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) may be subject to certain impact fees.

To request a fee estimate:

Obtaining a Pre-Approved Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) plan does not constitute approval to begin construction. A site-specific design and permit approval is still required, including planning and zoning approval. A building permit is still required prior to starting any work.

Fire Sprinkler Requirements for ADUs

Fire sprinklers may be required for your Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) depending on project-specific factors. Examples include, but are not limited to:

  • Fire sprinklers are not required in an ADU if the primary residence is not equipped with sprinklers.
    Example: A garage conversion to an ADU would not need fire sprinklers if the main residence does not have them.
  • Fire sprinklers are required in both the ADU and the main residence if both are constructed at the same time, as sprinklers are required in the main residence under the California Residential Code.

Please contact the Cosumnes Community Services District (CCSD) Fire Department for additional information regarding fire sprinkler requirements for your specific project.

Submittal Process

  • Electronic Submittal Required: All required documents and plans listed on the Submittal Checklist below, shall be submitted electronically using the Building Filedrop.
  • All electronic plan submittals must comply with the required file format and naming protocol. Please refer to the City’s Electronic Plan Review Policy for complete submittal guidelines and instructions.

Pre-Approved ADU Plans

Pre-Approved ADU plans can be submitted in one of two ways:

Option 1: Use of City Pre-Approved ADU Plans

  • A set of City Pre-Approved Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) plans must be included in your submission.
  • These plans are available on the City’s Pre-Approved ADU Plan webpage.
  • Download a copy of the selected plan, which will be marked “Not for Construction.” Include this copy in your complete submission package.
  • Once your submission has been reviewed and approved, you will receive an identical set of the selected plan, stamped “Approved” and ready for construction.

Note: A City of Elk Grove Hold Harmless Agreement is required when submitting a City of Elk Grove Pre-Approved ADU Plan.

Option 2: Use of Pre-Approved ADU Plans by a Design Professional

  • A set of Pre-Approved Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) plans prepared by a Design Professional must be included in your submission.
  • These plans can be found on the City’s Master Pre-Approved ADU Plans by Designers webpage.
  • While reference copies are available online, they do not constitute a complete set of construction plans. A full set must be obtained directly from the Design Professional and included in your submission.
  • Contact information for the Design Professional is provided on the webpage.

Submittal Checklist

  • City of Elk Grove Application for Permit

  • City of Elk Grove Addressing Application

  • Site Plan

    Drawn to scale. View a sample Residential Site Plan. The site plan shall include:
    • Property line dimensions including the north arrow and scale (Exp. 1/4, 3/16, 1/8 inch per foot).
    • Location of all existing and proposed buildings and structures on the parcel, showing the minimum and actual separation between structures, as well as the distance from each structure to all property lines.
    • Indicate if any trees and tree types are being removed for construction of the ADU.
    • Location of public and/or private utilities, (Sewer, Water, Electricity, and Gas). Easement locations.
    • Location and ampacity of the existing Main Electrical Service Panel at residence.

  • Construction Plans

    • See Pre-Approved ADU plans above for plan submittal options.

  • California Energy Code Requirements – Title 24 Energy Compliance

    • The ADU must comply with all applicable California Energy Code (Title 24) requirements.
    • Title 24 Energy Compliance Documentation must be registered with an approved data registry and included in your submission.
    • Submit the required Low-Rise Residential Mandatory Measures Summary as outlined in the California Energy Code and incorporate this summary into the construction plans.
    • At the time of the submission, Title 24 energy documentation must be presented and will be reviewed by City staff for compliance.

    • Solar Photovoltaic System

      If the Title 24 Energy documentation requires a Solar Photovoltaic system, the solar submittal must be submitted separately for plan review and permitting. This permit will be required to be issued and fully inspected prior to obtaining the final Certificate of Occupancy for the ADU permit.

Additional assistance with Title 24 Energy Code requirements

Plan Review Timeline

A Permit Technician will review the submittal and determine if it is complete or incomplete within 48 hours. If deemed complete, the project will proceed to plan review.

Allow a minimum of (10) ten business days for the first plan review and (5) five business days for all other subsequent reviews. Please allow an additional 48 hours processing.

Outside Agency Approvals

Please be advised that separate reviews, approvals, and/or fees may be required by outside agencies, depending on the specifics of your project. If applicable, the necessary agency requirements and/or required forms will be provided to the applicant following the initial plan review.

Contact information for all the above-listed agencies can be found on our Agency Contact List.

All required outside agency clearances must be submitted prior to the issuance of the building permit.

Key agencies commonly involved in ADU projects

Cosumnes Fire Department

A separate review and approval letter must be obtained from the Cosumnes Community Services District (CSD) Fire Department prior to permit issuance.

Sacramento County Environmental Health Department

Approval is required for buildings served by wells and/or septic systems. Please contact their office to obtain plan approval prior to submitting your application.

Elk Grove Unified School District (EGUSD)

EGUSD collects Development Impact Fees for new residential construction. Contact their office for requirements and payment information.

County of Sacramento

The County collects fees related to infrastructure, water, and sewer for new construction. Contact the following departments for more information:

  • Sacramento County Technical Resources
  • Sacramento County Regional Sanitation
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