AB 2533 Safe ADU/JADU Legalization Program

Step 1: Applicability of AB 2533

AB 2533 is applicable only to existing ADUs/JADUs constructed without a building permit prior to January 1, 2020. The following generally describes the eligibility criteria:

1. The unpermitted ADU/JADU was built prior to January 1, 2020:

    • New square footage was added to the property to create the new dwelling unit, or

    • A garage or an area of the house was converted into a separate living unit.

2. The unit’s characteristics meet the definition of either an “Accessory Dwelling Unit” or “Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit” as defined by California Government Code Section 65852.2, as may be amended.

Step 2 (Optional): Prepare to submit for a Permit

Before applying for a permit, the applicant may obtain a confidential third-party code inspection from a licensed contractor.

The licensed contractor can determine the unit’s existing condition or potential scope of building improvements through the Substandard Housing Inspection Checklist (HSC 17920.3). The Checklist shall only be completed by a licensed contractor

The third-party inspection is optional and only informational for the applicant. Results of the inspection are not required to be submitted with the permit application.

Step 3: Permit Application

Applying for a Permit

1. Apply for a residential building permit for an Accessory Dwelling Unit (Custom) project through myoceservices.ocgov.com.
2. Include the following information in the project description: “AB 2533 legalization of ADU” or “AB 2533 legalization of JADU”

              For Example: Convert existing garage to ADU (AB 2533 legalization of ADU)

3.   Submit the following items with your permit application:

              ☐ Documentation establishing the unpermitted ADU/JADU was constructed prior to January 1, 2020.

              ☐ Plans

                    • Property Information
                         - Property address and Assessor’s Parcel Number (APN)
                         - North arrow and scale of the drawing
                         - Lot dimensions and total lot size
                         - Existing floor plan of main residence and ADU/JADU
                         - Identify location of all easements

                    • ADU/JADU Location and Dimensions
                         - ADU/JADU location on the property, clearly marked and dimensioned
                         - Setbacks from property lines, main dwelling, and other structures
                         - Dimensions of the ADU/JADU (length, width, height)
                         - Distance from ADU/JADU to adjacent structures, including the main residence

                    • Access and Parking
                         - Location of existing driveways, parking spaces, and access paths

                    • Utilities and Infrastructure
                         - Location of existing utility connections (water, sewer, gas, electricity)

                    • Walls/Fencing
                         - Existing walls or fencing around the ADU

                    • Building and Safety
                         - Fire safety measures, including distance from other structures
                         - Compliance with building and safety codes (e.g., Substandard Housing Inspection Checklist (HSC 17920.3)
                         - Location of any hazardous areas on the site (e.g., steep slopes, flood zones)

                    • Address
                         - Provide address for ADU/JADU
                            (If you don’t have a separate address associated with the ADU/JADU, then please provide address 
                           application number during the application process.)

 4. Pay the required permit deposit fee.

Step 4: Permit Issuance and Inspection