Tulare, CA Accessory Structures: ADU Permits (2026)

Under Gov. Code § 65852.2(b), local agencies must act on a complete ADU application within 60 days, ministerially and without a public hearing — discretionary review (CUP, hearings, design review by Planning Commission) is preempted. Tulare's Community Development Department / Planning Division processes ADU zoning conformance per TMC § 10.60.030; the Building Division issues the building permit under TMC Title 15, which adopts the California Building Code (Title 24). Required submittals typically include site plan with setbacks, floor plan, elevations, structural calculations, Title 24 energy compliance documentation, and sewer/water capacity confirmation. Fire sprinklers are not required for an ADU if not required for the primary dwelling (Gov. Code § 65852.2(a)(1)(D)). A separate utility connection may be required at the applicant's expense for a detached new-construction ADU, but is prohibited for conversion ADUs in single-family zones. The city must process the application even if it has not adopted a local ordinance — in that case, the statewide default (Gov. Code § 65852.2(e)) controls.