How prepared is your building department for ADU applications? Answer 30 yes/no questions across 6 categories. Get a grade, a gap analysis, and a prioritized action plan — in 5 minutes.
⚖️
Legal & Ordinance
Is your ADU ordinance legally compliant?
Our ADU ordinance has been updated within the last 2 years to comply with current state law.
ADUs meeting objective standards are approved ministerially (no public hearing, no special permit).
All ADU standards in our ordinance are objective and measurable (no subjective design review).
We do NOT require owner-occupancy as a condition of ADU approval.
ADUs are not counted toward lot density calculations in our zoning.
📋
Application Process
Can a homeowner easily apply?
We have a dedicated ADU permit application form (separate from general building permits).
A complete submittal checklist is published on our website and available at the front counter.
We can process an ADU application from submission to permit in 30 days or less.
Homeowners can check ADU application status online or by phone.
🔧
Technical Capacity
Can your team review and inspect ADUs?
Our plan examiners have reviewed ADU-specific IRC requirements (R302, R310, R403, etc.).
Our field inspectors have an ADU-specific inspection checklist for each phase.
We have a clear policy for fire separation requirements based on ADU type and proximity.
Staff can explain egress, smoke/CO, and GFCI/AFCI requirements specific to ADUs.
We have a process for coordinating with Board of Health on septic/sewer capacity verification.
🌐
Public-Facing Resources
Can homeowners self-serve?
Our website has a dedicated ADU information page with ordinance, forms, and FAQs.
We offer a plain-language homeowner FAQ or fact sheet (not just the ordinance text).
We provide a fee calculator or clear fee table so homeowners know costs before applying.
ADU information is available in languages other than English (if applicable to our community).
We have a pre-screening tool or guidance that helps homeowners assess eligibility before visiting.
📊
Data & Performance Tracking
Do you measure what matters?
We track ADU applications separately from general building permits in our system.
We know our average days from ADU application to permit issuance.
We track first-pass plan review and field inspection rates for ADUs.
We can report ADU permit revenue and economic impact to elected officials.
We have an estimate of the number of unpermitted ADUs in our community.
🛡️
Risk Mitigation & Compliance
Are you legally protected?
We require proof of contractor insurance (GL + workers' comp) as a permit condition.
Our permit application includes an indemnification/hold-harmless clause.
Our ADU standards do not create Fair Housing exposure (no discriminatory restrictions).
ADU impact fees (if charged) are proportional and defensible under Nollan/Dolan standards.
Front-counter staff have a script for responding to abutters' complaints about ADUs.
Category Breakdown
Priority Action Items
The ADU Exchange offers a free 30-minute consultation to review your scorecard results and prioritize your action plan. Visit theaduexchange.com/municipal to schedule.
