ADU Electrical Permit: Process and Fees

Accessory dwelling units must be self-sufficient small homes intended for long-term residence, so they cannot operate without basic services like electricity. For example, in an existing primary residence, ADU residents need to cook meals, store food in the fridge, and switch on the light when it gets dark. So, to run electricity into your new accessory dwelling unit, you should obtain an electrical permit.

This permit allows you to guarantee that your ADU has a safe and reliable electrical system, empowering its residents to carry out daily activities. Let’s discuss the electrical permitting process better to understand this tricky aspect of your ADU project!

Accessory Structure Requirements

All ADU projects require a wide variety of ADU permits. The ADU permitting process involves getting permission from the local authorities to build an ADU (a building permit) and connect it to water supply and electricity (an electrical and plumbing permit). Also, ADU construction may require additional permits such as a site review permit, a grading permit, etc.

In essence, an ADU permit is a sort of warranty that your construction, as well as its components and services, meet building code requirements and promote safety and health. Building an accessory dwelling unit in accordance with development standards and safety standards is crucial to protecting both property owners and their neighbors from fires, floods, the destruction of the house as a result of weather conditions, and so on.

Now as we establish the meaning of an official permit, let’s hop to the process of electrical permit acquisition!

Permit Application Process

Sacramento, like many jurisdictions out there, has special rules and codes governing ADU electricity requirements. Thus, before connecting the new construction to the electrical lines, it’s essential to make yourself familiar with the subtleties of your area’s ordinances and zoning regulations.

Next, the permitting process involves the following stages:

• The permit application

Permit applications are forms that you need to fill out and hand over to the relevant Sacramento city or county department to obtain a permit. Together with them, it’s also necessary to submit such a submittal package as electrical plans, load calculations, technical characteristics of the equipment, and other specified papers.

• Permit fees

During permit application, you also have to pay fees. The permit fees include the fee for the initial review of the electrical plans, the fee for processing the permit application, an inspection fee, and other extra fees like violation correction fees, etc.

• Approval Process

Similarly to building permits, the local authorities will review your bulk of documents to verify compliance with electrical codes, local building codes, and regulations. Before you receive approval, they may request clarifications, additional documents, or demand corrections.

• Inspections

The final step is scheduling an on-site inspection. The inspector will make sure your implementation of the designed electrical systems is exactly the same as you stated them to be. If the inspector determines that the electrical work meets all the requirements, after final inspection, they will approve work implementation and issue a permit.

The construction of functional accessory dwelling units requires a lengthy and complicated process of permit acquisitions, from building permit application to permits for modification to electrical and plumbing systems. At A+ Construction & Remodeling, we provide homeowners with comprehensive assistance, ensuring their new units abide by all applicable regulations in Sacramento, California.

Electrical System of the Accessory Dwelling Unit

When building accessory dwelling units, you need to create a small house with all daily-use amenities. No matter if it’s a newly built accessory dwelling unit or a conversion of an existing accessory structure, an electrician will have to perform a whole array of services to make your ADU livable.

Here are common electrical works that involve a permit when connecting your new ADU to electrical lines:

• Electrical wiring. The master should connect the ADU to the main electrical supply by running wiring from the main panel in your primary dwelling.
• Extra electrical panel. If the ADU requires a separate electrical panel, the electrician will install the panel, tie it to the main service panel, and provide proper grounding and circuit protection.
• Upgrading the service capacity. If you converted your spare bedroom into a tiny junior accessory dwelling unit, maybe your electrical system can handle it. However, if the existing system does not support new loads, it needs modification.
• Installing outlets and switches. Even minor electrical works still need a permit. All electrical components in the ADU are subject to licensed electrical work to ensure the safety of your family members and all people in the neighborhood.
• Adding lighting fixtures and appliances. Each living space has to be well-lit and equipped with conveniences. Appliances such as ceiling lamps, stoves, fridges, and HVAC system elements mandate proper installation and wiring.

To sum up, most works that go beyond plugging and unplugging devices and applications into outlets necessitate professional electrician services and, therefore, an electrical permit.

Efficient Electrical System Considerations

In order to maximize your chances for the electrical ADU permit and ensure proper operation of the electrical system within the ADU, pay attention to the following factors:

• ADU electrical layout

Convenient access to power sources throughout the living space is crucial for ADU’s functionality. You don’t want to find yourself in a situation where you decide to slightly rearrange your furniture after several years of use and realize that outlets restrict you to the point of failure. The positions of electrical outlets, light switches, fixtures, and other electrical components should undergo careful planning and contemplation for potential future needs.

• Ensuring enough electrical capacity

Remember that your primary dwelling unit already consumes a sufficient amount of power, and now you’re going to strain the electrical system even more. An ADU is a whole living space with all amenities, so it won’t be just a little impact. Thus, you need a thorough calculation of the anticipated electrical load to know the appropriate size and potential of the electrical panel, as well as its circuits and wiring.

• Making safety paramount

The nature of the ADU permitting process is to make sure single-family dwelling unit residents can sleep without worries about their new structure. That’s why experienced electricians take care of proper grounding, protect circuits, and take all fire protection measures.

Cost Breakdown of ADU Electrical Permit Fees

Before you start construction of an ADU, it’s very advisable to estimate the approximate total cost of the project. Fees for ADU permits, including building permit fees, impact fees, electrical permit fees, water and sewer connection fees, landscaping fees, and some more, are an essential part of the ADU cost calculation.

When studying the topic of ADU electrical permit fees, it’s important to understand the components that may affect the overall expenses.

Base Permit Fee

This cost depends on the project scale. If you need to connect your ADU to the existing structure power grid without much change to the electrical lines, it’s not as expensive as when you have to revamp it all. The fee for a permit application may range from $100 to $500.

Fee for Plan Review

When making up ADU plans, one of their parts are electrical plans. If there are no county restrictions for your particular type of plan, you’ll need to wait for the approval process to end. The fee for plan reviewing is about $50-$300, and ensuring their full compliance with electrical codes and standards.

Inspector Fee

According to state law, inspections are integral parts of permitting. For each inspection conducted within the framework of the ADU project, an appropriate fee may be charged in the amount of $75 to $500 per on-site inspection. The specific amount is contingent on the complexity of the electrical work intended for distinct in-law units.

Miscellaneous Fees

In case you want your ADU plan to come to life as soon as possible, you can pay an extra fee for the process expedition. Of course, if there are no issues with regulations established by local jurisdiction. Besides, sometimes you need more than one inspection. Re-inspections also cost money. Additionally, violations of safety standards or building codes may incur fines or additional fees.

Minimizing ADU Electrical Permit Hurdles

All property owners want to wire their granny flat as soon as possible so it becomes suitable for immediate living or renting. However, having an understandable desire to minimize costs, some may try to tackle the proposed work themselves. There are several issues with that.

Firstly, it’s unsafe. If renovating the existing space by applying minor repairs is a thing that you can do DIY, an electrical system is something that presents a hazard for your life and the lives of your family members.

Secondly, running electricity into your attached or detached ADU is not merely installing an outlet. It’s a complex and technically complicated process that demands high skill, vast experience, and comprehensive knowledge.

Finally, in California, only a licensed professional may conduct electrical work in accordance with state regulations. For an amateur, it will be harder and more expensive to obtain local permits if you make a mistake while conducting electrical work and get discovered. Not only will you need to pay anyway to do it all over again, but severe violations of safety measures may incur significant fines and other legal consequences.

In summary, if you need to conduct electrical work, especially something as extensive as running electricity to an ADU, a homeowner should apply to a professional electrician. At A+, we have all kinds of specialists to tackle every aspect of an ADU project and ensure smooth permit acquisition! Reach out to get a quote!

Frequently Asked Questions — FAQ

Do I need electrical and plumbing permits after adding an ADU to my property?

Yes, when ADU construction comes to an end, and you proceed to wiring it, you’ll need to obtain both electrical and plumbing permits. There are several factors to consider. First, you need to ensure compliance with electrical and plumbing codes. Besides, gather all necessary plans and documentation. Finally, you should choose the time for inspection.

What does the ADU ordinance and zoning code say about the maximum size of an ADU?

Whether you opt for a pre-approved floor plan or make a customer ADU plan, it’s vital that it complies with the maximum size requirement. The biggest square footage for an ADU in California is 1200 sq. ft. However, with egress requirements, it sometimes may be slightly bigger. Check out your local ADU development standards to learn all the specifics, or apply to an ADU builder!

What are ADU side, back, and front yard setbacks in Sacramento, California?

An ADU should be far enough from the borders of the plot as well as from the other structures for the sake of safety. No matter the plot plan, an ADU in California must occupy a place that is at least 4 feet from the side and rear property lines. As for front yard setbacks, they depend on the zoning regulations of the property’s zone.

What are ADU parking requirements?

In many cases, the ADU building brings forth the necessity for an extra parking place. However, if your ADU is within a half-mile from public transit or in a historic district, there’s no need for a parking place. Also, conversion ADUs and internal ADUs don’t call for an extra parking place. Besides, different jurisdictions may have extra rules to be mindful of.

What permanent provisions must an ADU have?

As for required rooms and amenities, ADUs must have a full set of conveniences for the residence of one or more people, such as living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitary and hygienic conditions. This means that ADU plans should account for bedrooms or sleeping places, a cooking area, a bathroom, and a lounging zone, no matter the particular layout.