All ADUs and JADUs require a building permit from the City of Sonoma Planning and Community Services Department, processed ministerially under state law (Cal. Gov. Code 65852.2(b)) within 60 days of a complete application. No discretionary CUP or public hearing is required.
Sonoma processes ADU permits as ministerial reviews per SMC Chapter 19.45 and Cal. Gov. Code 65852.2(b)(1), meaning staff approve or deny based on objective standards without a public hearing or planning commission action. The state-mandated review clock is 60 days from receipt of a complete application; if the city does not act within that window, the permit is deemed approved. Required submittals include a site plan, floor plans, elevations, and (per SMC 19.45.030) a recorded deed restriction limiting the ADU/JADU to long-term residential use and recognizing JADU owner-occupancy. ADUs converted from existing legal structures (garages, basements, attics) within the existing footprint are exempt from setback and parking requirements per state law and SMC 19.45.040.E. ADU Ready pre-reviewed plans are offered via Permit Sonoma's program to speed permitting.
Per SMC 19.45.090, building or occupying an ADU/JADU without required city approvals is unlawful and subject to enforcement under SMC Ch. 1.28 (administrative citations, abatement). Code Enforcement may issue stop-work orders, require legalization or removal, and impose escalating fines through the city's administrative citation process.
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