San José ADU Permits in 2026: Public Approval Dashboard, Preapproved Plans and Application Steps

SAN JOSÉ, SANTA CLARA COUNTY — October 22, 2026. Homeowners thinking about a backyard cottage, garage conversion or small secondary living unit in San José can now begin with an unusually useful public resource: the city’s ADU Permit Activity Dashboards. The dashboards show applications, permits and completions over time, including geographic analysis by City Council district.

What the dashboard actually shows

The city describes its ADU data pages as nearly real-time, approximately a day behind. Separate views show applications submitted, permits issued and homes completed annually since 2015; permits by quarter; and the approximate distribution of ADU sizes. These measures are different: a submitted application is not an issued permit, and a permit is not proof that a unit is finished or legally occupied.

Residents, reporters and neighborhood associations can compare activity by council district without turning individual addresses into private residential profiles. The city controls the underlying official records; a graphic or chart from the dashboard should always retain its date and definition.

San José’s ADU service: What qualifies?

The official ADU Service page explains the application and resubmittal pathways for new ADU construction, qualifying garage and basement conversions, and certain projects involving changes to the main house. The portal directs applicants toward the appropriate building-permit plan-review process, including SJPermits.org.

Preapproved plans are a starting point, not a site permit

San José publishes an official catalog of preapproved ADU plans. The catalog explicitly distinguishes approved plans from plans still under review. A prefabricated model or designer’s marketing page does not establish that the design is preapproved in San José, and even an approved plan needs the appropriate site and permitting review.

Practical owner checklist

Determine whether the property lies inside incorporated San José or in another Santa Clara County city.
Review the city’s ADU eligibility, setbacks, access and utility requirements for the specific lot.
Consult the official ADU dashboard to understand citywide activity; do not use it as approval for your parcel.
Compare preapproved designs and independently confirm each one is listed as approved.
Prepare application documents and submit through the building permit process; keep fee quotes and final inspection records.

What about utility meters?

The city’s ADU FAQ explains that PG&E’s policies govern electrical metering questions, not the city alone. Owners should verify their utility’s specific service upgrades or separate-meter requirements before budgeting construction.

Frequently asked questions

How many ADUs have been built in my neighborhood?

The official dashboards can show some activity broken down by district, but a district total is not a census of every converted garage or legal dwelling in a single neighborhood. Use the latest dated dataset and confirm definitions.

Can I use a preapproved design without any further permit?

No. Preapproval of a standard plan is not approval of site-specific foundations, grading, utility connections, access or other conditions.

Sources: San José ADU Permit Activity Dashboards, ADU Permit Service, preapproved plans. Independent local explainer, not contractor advertising. California58 Newsroom: california58com@gmail.com.

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