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2928 <br />RESEARCH <br />An ADU will become part of the story you tell about your life. But what role will it play? <br />Will it help bring your family closer together? Provide a financial cushion? Both? <br />Determine if an ADU is allowed on your property <br />One of the first things you’ll need to do is determine whether the ADU you envision <br />is allowed on your property. There are three ways you can do this: <br />In this step you will… <br />• Clarify your goals. <br />• Determine if an ADU <br />is allowed on your <br />property. <br />What story will <br />your ADU tell? <br />TIP Note that information you receive from your city at this stage is preliminary. Some <br />properties have unique circumstances that can affect the outcome of decisions, but these may <br />not be revealed without the thorough process that a formal application provides. The city staffer <br />assigned to your application will work with you to provide solutions to issues that arise. <br />TIP You can find a list of cities in <br />the region that allow ADUs, along <br />with their contact information, at <br />the end of this guidebook. <br />DISCLAIMER <br />Laws and processes are <br />subject to change, and <br />vary between cities, so <br />be sure to consult with <br />your local planners or <br />other knowledgeable <br />professionals as you <br />move forward. <br />1. Enlist your designer <br />If you already have a designer or <br />contractor in mind, enlist their help. <br />2. Check online <br />Many cities and counties have web links <br />to city codes, zoning maps and property <br />information on their websites. <br />3. Ask a city planner <br />This is the most direct way to get up-to-date information <br />about what will be allowed on your property. You can get <br />help from most cities by calling or visiting the planning <br />department. If your city does not have a planning department, <br />ask a representative to connect you to a staff member who is <br />knowledgeable about land use, zoning or building permits. Tell <br />the staff member that you are interested in building an ADU <br />and want to know if it is allowed on your property. Also ask <br />about the types of ADUs allowed and how big and tall they can <br />be. The answers will affect your ADU design decisions. <br />Print this page and use this worksheet to write down your ideas, short- and long-term goals, and questions. <br />Don’t worry if you are unsure of some information about your property. You’ll be able to fill it in throughout. <br />STEP ONE