Adding an ADU in SF Bay Area.

[Andy C.]

Hi Bigger Pockets, I currently live in the San Francisco Bay Area. San Mateo to be exact. I'm trying to find out more information about San Mateo County and what homeowners can do to potentially add an ADU or accessory dwelling unit. Has anyone on BiggerPockets who also live in the SF Peninsula Bay Area had experience with successfully adding one to their property? Appreciate any help or advice in advance. Andy Chang

[Chen Zhou]

@Brian LarsonGreat to hear the progress!! Probably wise to slow down a bit in this environment.

@Carrick Young I submitted my plan for my San Jose ADU back in 2018 and got it within 4 months. Now it should be much faster and they also lowered the school fees and park fees for building ADUs as part of San Jose easing ADU requirements to align with the new state law (see below). All in cost was around $200,000 for an 800 sqft expansion.

You can read more about my experience here: 
https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/850/topics/759279-building-adu-in-san-jose-california
3D visualization of my ADU: https://my.matterport.com/mode...

On Dec. 17, 2019, the San Jose City Council approved easing ADU requirements to align with new state laws. We are updating our ADU Universal Checklist and website to reflect these changes. Visit the Secondary Unit Ordinance webpage to see the new changes: https://www.sanjoseca.gov/business/development-services-permit-center/accessory-dwelling-units-adus/secondary-unit-ordinance-updates