Accessory Dwelling Unit Permit

All property owners and applicants interested in constructing a new Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) and/or Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit (JADU) should first review the City’s ADU Ordinance No. 25-04. 

Notice for Properties in the Coastal Zone: Ordinance No. 25-04 is not applicable to properties located within the City’s Coastal Overlay Zone. For more information related to ADUs in the Coastal Zone (known as “Second Dwelling Units” under the Local Coastal Program), please contact Planning Division staff directly. 

After reviewing the City’s ADU Ordinance, it is suggested to contact the Planning Division in the early phases of conceptual design to discuss requirements for construction of an ADU or JADU. 

HOW TO APPLY FOR AN ADU PERMIT: 

The City of Dana Point is excited to announce the launch of a new electronic submittal system for all Planning Applications, land use entitlements, permits, and building permits.  This includes Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADUs).   Applicants can now submit, track, and manage their projects online through our updated portal.  Whether you're planning an ADU or another type of development, we encourage you to review the City’s new Electronic Application Portal where you can find an updated ADU/JADU Application, Application Checklist, and Tolling Agreement. The City is hopeful that you will find using the new online system will result in a faster, more efficient experience.

Submittals must include all items identified in the following ADU/JADU checklist. Prior to submitting an application, it is suggested to contact the Planning Division. You can contact the Planning Division directly at (949) 248-3564 or planning@danapoint.org. 

SUBMITTING AN ADU PERMIT APPLICATION: 
The City of Dana Point’s Planning Division is now accepting ADU permit applications through eTRAKIT. In lieu of physical submittals, all applicants must now use eTRAKIT’s “PERMITS” portal to submit ADU permits. 

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Notice to Property Owners and Applicants:
The plan check process for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) is a 60-day period from the date a complete ADU plan check application is submitted to the Building and Safety Division to the date permits are issued. ADU plan check reviews, which are not acted upon by the City within the 60-day period, will automatically be approved. It is the responsibility of the property owner(s) to ensure that a complete ADU application, plans, and supporting documentation is submitted to the City. ADU applications, which do not meet all minimum development standards and the plan check submittal requirements, could potentially not be accepted for plan check.  

Please be aware that the City’s Municipal Code does not allow Accessory Dwelling Units to be utilized as Short Term Rentals (i.e. rentals less than 30 days). 

PRE-APPROVED ADU PLANS: 
Currently, the City of Dana Point has no “pre-approved” ADU plans.  In accordance with Government Code Section 65852.27, ADU designers, property owner(s), and applicants may submit drawings to the City for pre-approval review.

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