ADU Guide

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), also called “in-law units,” “granny units," are housing units that can be attached to the main house or detached accessory structures. State Law has evolved to recognize ADUs as an innovative option in addressing California’s housing shortage.

 There are many benefits of adding ADUs to your property, including:

• Creating more affordable housing in our Seaside community
• Providing housing for relatives or friends
• Allowing seniors to age-in-place
• Increasing your property’s value
• Providing extra income as a rental unit

The City of Seaside is committed to making it easier to add an ADU to your single-family or multi-family property.

New applicants residing in the Monterey Peninsula Water Management District area without an allocation are instructed to calculate their project’s water needs using the MPWMD Residential Water Release Form and Water Permit Application. 

Please contact planning staff with any questions about the availability of water or completing the water form. 

STEP- BY- STEP ADU GUIDE

Note: This guidance is suitable for properties served water by California American Water or Seaside Municipal Water System, each under the jurisdiction of the Monterey Peninsula Water Management District. For assistance with properties  served water by the Marina Coast Water District, please contact planning@ci.seaside.ca.us. 

1. Define the project. Determine what you would like to build, including whether it would be attached, detached, new construction, conversion of existing construction, and floor area. Review Seaside Municipal Code 17.52.230 and/or contact Planning staff for guidance on what is allowed on a specific site. Some features, such as balconies, may require additional permits. 

2. Calculate water needs. Contact the Monterey Peninsula Water Management District (MPWMD) to determine the existing number of fixtures and water available on the site. Then contact the Seaside Planning Department with that analysis to help determine if sufficient water is available on the site or if you need an allocation of water. If you need an allocation of water, Planning staff will help you determine whether the project is eligible and what retrofits would be required. 

3. Complete plans. Prepare a complete set of plans to submit to the Building Department in accordance with their requirements. 

4. Prepare a water form. Complete the MPWMD’s Residential Water Release Form and Water Permit Application based on the information obtained from MPWMD and the Seaside Planning Department. 

5. Submit plans. Submit all required items to the Building Department. These items include: 

• Building Permit application
• Complete plans
• MPWMD Residential Water Release form and Water Permit Application 

After you submit your application, staff will guide you through the process. 

6. Pay all fees. There are multiple sources of fees, some with agencies other than the City. Some of the fees can be substantial. Below is a table of potential fees.