Learn about building ADU in Solano County
Invest in your family and community
Supporting all of solano county
Building an ADU can be overwhelming. Our resources help you find inspiration, navigate the process, and build your ideal ADU.
SOLANO ADU is a collaborative effort of all the cities in the county and Solano County, led by the Solano County Planning Collaborative. These resources support all residents of Solano County through the process of building an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU).
Building an ADU is an investment in your property, your family, and your community
Housing Family
A home as you age
rental income
safety
property investment
community support
Step-by-step
The ADU Process
Getting Started
1-3 months (together with learning the rules and budgeting)
Getting started with an ADU project is what many feel is “the fun part” – you’ll think about your goals and the value an ADU will bring, look for design and layout inspiration, and start to figure out what works on your property.
Your To-Do List
- Think about what you want
- Consider different types of ADU plans
- Make an informal sketch of your property
- Estimate project budget
Are you ready to ADU?
We have details and resources for every step of the process.
Learning the rules
1-3 months (together with Getting started and budgeting)
BEFORE YOU BEGIN DESIGNING YOUR ADU, you need to know what you’re allowed to build. We will help you navigate the state and local laws that apply to your property.
Your To-Do List
- Learn about your property
- Learn what you can build
- Meet with local staff
Are you ready to ADU?
We have details and resources for every step of the process.
Budgeting & Finance
1-3 months (together with Getting started and learning the rules)
YOUR BUDGET IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT PARTS OF YOUR ADU PROJECT. You will need to balance design with what you can afford, but also consider potential rental income. Assess your finances early on, after you’ve learned what you can build and before you hire and start working with a design team.
Your To-Do List
- Estimate your project cost
- Assess financing options
Are you ready to ADU?
We have details and resources for every step of the process.
Design
1-6 months
ONCE YOU HAVE A SENSE OF WHAT YOU WANT TO BUILD, know what you can build, and have estimated your budget, you can start designing your ADU, which begins with design inspiration and ends with permit-ready plans.
Your To-Do List
- Hire experienced professionals
- Create initial design
- Finalize design
Are you ready to ADU?
We have details and resources for every step of the process.
Permitting
1-6 months
THE PERMITTING PROCESS CAN BE STRAIGHT-FORWARD if you are prepared and understand what to expect. You should have an idea of how the process works from your conversations with planning staff, and your designer should be familiar as well. Permitting starts with an application package and ends with a building permit, which allows you to start construction.
Your To-Do List
- Prepare your application package
- Submit your application
- Revise your application
- Receive your permits
Are you ready to ADU?
We have details and resources for every step of the process.
Construction
6-12 months
PERMIT IN HAND, YOU’RE READY TO BREAK GROUND and see your project become a reality! From site preparation to passing your final inspection, you’ll stay in touch with your contractor and make final decisions about project details.
Are you ready to ADU?
We have details and resources for every step of the process.
Rental & Move-in
Congratulations!
AFTER YOUR FINAL INSPECTION, YOUR ADU IS READY FOR MOVE-IN! This might be you, a friend, a family member, or a tenant. There are many benefits to sharing your property with a tenant, but renting also comes with many responsibilities – make sure you have a good sense of the laws governing rental agreements and think about the issues that might arise from welcoming a new neighbor into your space.
Your To-Do List
- Complete preliminary steps
- Understand rental laws
- Set the rent
- Write your lease
Are you ready to ADU?
We have details and resources for every step of the process.