As more Californians look for ways to expand their living space or create long-term rental opportunities, Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) have quickly moved to the top of the list. They offer a flexible solution without the need to relocate or invest in a second property. 

Super Fast ADU Permitting in California Cities

However, the biggest challenge many homeowners face isn’t construction it’s getting the permit. While some cities still operate under time-consuming processes, others have made noticeable progress, simplifying and speeding up ADU approvals. 

In this article, we explore seven cities in California where getting an ADU permit is faster, easier, and less stressful making them ideal locations to begin your project.

Why Fast Permitting Makes a Difference

A slow permit process can stall an otherwise straightforward ADU project. Delays don’t just cost time they affect budget planning, material costs, contractor schedules, and rental income timelines. In contrast, a city that issues permits quickly allows homeowners to stay on track with their goals.

Key advantages of fast ADU permitting:

• Faster start to construction
  
• Reduced risk of price changes in materials or labor
  
• Better coordination with contractors
  
• Shorter timeline to rental income or occupancy
  

Cities that have adopted user-friendly systems, clear review timelines, and pre-approved design options are proving how impactful good governance can be for property owners.

San Diego

San Diego has emerged as one of California’s most supportive cities for ADU development. The city’s clear zoning guidelines, digital tools, and pre-approved ADU plans make the approval process noticeably easier than elsewhere.

Why San Diego stands out:

• Pre-approved ADU plans for faster plan check
  
• Permit applications submitted and tracked online
  
• No lot size minimums, broad zoning support
  
• Most applications processed in 60 days or fewer
  

San Diego also offers homeowner resources, making it easier to prepare complete submissions and avoid unnecessary corrections.

San Jose

San Jose has taken serious steps to simplify ADU planning and permitting. Their dedicated ADU portal helps property owners understand the process, and their planning team offers support through each phase.

What makes San Jose efficient:

• Online ADU feasibility checker for homeowners
  
• ADU Universal Checklist helps avoid missing documents
  
• Electronic submissions with reduced plan review time
  
• Lower fees for small or detached ADUs
  

By combining accessible tools with responsive city staff, San Jose makes a clear effort to remove friction from the process.

Los Angeles

Los Angeles has a high volume of ADU applications, but it has responded with structured programs that cut review time and clarify requirements. The Standard Plan Program is especially useful for homeowners who want to move quickly.

Why ADU permitting is faster in LA:

• A range of city-approved designs available for use
  
• Digital submittals through LADBS platform
  
• Pre-submittal review option to flag potential issues
  
• Approvals issued in as little as 6–8 weeks for compliant plans
  

The combination of structure and transparency makes Los Angeles one of the best big cities for starting an ADU.

Sacramento

Sacramento has embraced ADUs as part of its larger urban housing solution. Their planning department has created a streamlined system designed to be approachable, especially for first-time applicants.

Advantages in Sacramento:

• Quick Permit process available for smaller projects
  
• Permit fee exemptions for ADUs under 750 square feet
  
• User-friendly online application tracking
  
• Guidance staff dedicated to ADU inquiries
  

Sacramento’s emphasis on supporting smaller, affordable housing makes it a great city for ADU construction.

Oakland

Oakland has revised its zoning codes and processes to make ADU development more accessible. The city supports both detached units and conversions of existing spaces, with clearly defined steps and digital tools.

Key features in Oakland:

• Reduced parking requirements for many ADUs
  
• Online permit submittals and plan review
  
• Updated zoning laws supporting multiple ADU types
  
• Efficient routing to appropriate plan reviewers
  

These policies reflect Oakland’s broader focus on increasing housing options while reducing permit-related frustrations.

Santa Rosa

In response to local housing needs and wildfire recovery, Santa Rosa developed ADU-friendly procedures to help residents rebuild and expand responsibly. These systems remain in place today and continue to support new development.

Why Santa Rosa is efficient:

• Multiple city-approved ADU designs available
  
• Expedited plan review procedures
  
• Permit fee waivers available for qualifying properties
  
• Clear process guidance from planning staff
  

Santa Rosa’s systems are particularly helpful for homeowners who need a faster track to safe, flexible housing solutions.

Fremon

Fremont is recognized for its well-organized and transparent approach to residential permitting. Their online system allows homeowners to track progress in real time, which greatly reduces uncertainty.

How Fremont keeps things moving:

• All applications submitted digitally
  
• Defined approval timelines for different project types
  
• Real-time corrections and resubmittal tracking
  
• Support staff available for document and design guidance
  

The structure of Fremont’s system makes it easier for both homeowners and professionals to navigate approvals with fewer surprises.

How Nestadu Supports Faster Permitting

Even in the best-case cities, permit success depends on submitting the right documents, following local code, and anticipating revisions. At Nestadu, we specialize in making the process easier by managing every step from feasibility to final permit issuance.

Here’s how we help keep projects on track:

• ADU designs tailored for your city’s requirements
  
• Permit-ready architectural and engineering plans
  
• Full application preparation and submission
  
• Communication with city staff on your behalf
  
• Guidance on which cities offer the best timelines for your goals
  

With years of experience across dozens of jurisdictions, we know what each planning department looks for and how to keep your project moving forward.

Tips for Speeding Up Your ADU Permit Approval

Homeowners can take specific steps to avoid delays, even in cities that support faster permitting.

Actionable ways to move quickly:

• Choose a pre-approved design if your city offers one
  
• Review your city’s ADU checklist before submission
  
• Provide complete and accurate site plans and documents
  
• Ensure your proposed unit meets size and setback rules
  
• Stay available to respond to city corrections or requests
  

Working with an experienced builder can help avoid the common mistakes that cause projects to get stuck in review.

Final Thoughts

As demand for flexible living arrangements continues to grow, ADUs offer California homeowners a smart way to make better use of their property. Still, permitting remains one of the biggest make-or-break steps in the process. Fortunately, some cities are leading the way with practical solutions.

San Diego, San Jose, Los Angeles, Sacramento, Oakland, Santa Rosa, and Fremont have each taken real action to simplify and speed up ADU permitting giving homeowners more control over their project timeline.

At Nestadu, we’re here to help you get started with clarity, complete your permitting without setbacks, and build an ADU that fits beautifully with your home and neighborhood. If you’re ready to explore your options, contact our team and take the first step toward a smoother ADU experience.