San José / Accessory dwelling units
ADU Builder in San José
San José runs ADU permits through its own Development Services path. A backyard cottage, an attached unit, or a garage conversion can use that path when the property qualifies. R&B Master Construction Inc. (CSLB #1158657) is headquartered at 84 W Santa Clara St, Suite 700, San Jose, CA 95113. Call (650) 800-9661.
How San José permits an ADU
The City of San José publishes an ADU overview (opens in a new tab) and a dedicated ADU Service (opens in a new tab). Qualifying projects listed there include a new ADU, a garage or basement conversion to an ADU or junior ADU, and either of those combined with other work on an existing single-family house.
The ADU Service page directs applications to SJPermits.org, with plan uploads at SJePlans. The submittal list includes building plans prepared to the City’s ADU bulletin, the building permit application, an address request, and either the ADU owner declaration or the junior ADU deed restriction. It also asks for a letter from the water company with flow data at the nearest hydrant. The City notes that many projects are delayed when that letter is missing.
Complete the City’s ADU Universal Checklist (opens in a new tab) before you treat a lot as eligible. On that checklist, a conversion of an existing structure or space shows setbacks as not applicable, with a note that a zero setback still has to meet building and fire requirements. Use the checklist linked from the current ADU pages, because the City updates its forms.
Preapproved plans still need a site plan
San José also keeps a preapproved ADU vendor list (opens in a new tab). Those plans are standard drawings the City has already reviewed. They are not a permit by themselves. The City still requires site-specific documents for the location on your lot, utility connections, setbacks, and zoning.
The preapproved program page describes faster review when the lot is residential with an existing single-family home or duplex, and when it is not in a geohazard, landslide, flood, or wildland-urban interface area. A listed plan does not skip those property checks. Willow Glen, Almaden, Evergreen, Cambrian, and downtown-adjacent lots differ in access, utilities, and any association rules. We confirm availability for the address you actually have.
What we can take on
When the scope is contracted and our schedule fits, we build detached and attached ADUs, garage conversions where the City allows them, and related home additions. Kitchen or bathroom work can be coordinated when it is part of the same remodel. Drawings, plan sets, and permitting are included when the agreement says they are.
We do not publish an ADU package price. A number comes after the property and the scope are defined. Kitchen and bathroom planning ranges, and the deposit rule, stay on our homepage FAQ and our questions page.
Questions homeowners ask
Who permits ADUs in San José?
The City of San José Development Services department. Applications typically start in the City’s online permit systems; confirm current portals on the City website.
Do you pull San José ADU permits?
When permitting is in the contracted scope, yes — we coordinate drawings, submittals, and inspections.
Where is your San José office?
84 W Santa Clara St, Suite 700, San Jose, CA 95113. (650) 800-9661.
Official sources
City rules change. The links below are the pages and documents these notes were checked against. Your address can still differ.
Talk with R&B
R&B Master Construction Inc. · CSLB #1158657. Email info@rbmasterconstruction.com. Headquarters: 84 W Santa Clara St, Suite 700, San Jose, CA 95113. Hours: Monday–Sunday, 7:00 AM–5:00 PM Pacific Time.