Permit Your ADU

Getting a permit is not optional — and it's not as complicated as it sounds. Ashland allows ADUs outright in all residential zones, so there's no Planning Action required. You go straight to building permits.

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ADUs are permitted outright in all Ashland residential zones (R-1, R-2, R-3, and some mixed-use zones). No Planning Action or discretionary review is required — you proceed directly to building permits.

Step-by-step: from application to Certificate of Occupancy

  1. Pre-application conference (free, strongly recommended)

    Before submitting plans, schedule a free 30-minute pre-application conference with City Planning. A city planner will review your specific site, explain zoning requirements, setbacks, design review, and any site-specific constraints, and walk you through the permit application process.

    Contact Planning Division →

    This meeting is free and is the best first step. You'll also receive the City's free pre-approved plan sets at this meeting if you choose to use them.

  2. Prepare permit application and plans

    Work with your designer or architect to prepare permit-ready drawings. For ADUs you'll typically need: site plan showing building locations, property lines, lot coverage, and utility locations; floor plans; elevations; foundation plan; electrical, mechanical, and plumbing plans; and energy compliance documentation.

    Download Permit Submittal Package (PDF) →

    Plans must be prepared by a licensed Oregon architect or engineer for new construction over certain thresholds. If using a City pre-approved plan, the design work is already done.

  3. Submit application

    Submit your completed application and plans through the City's online permit portal (Citizen Self Service) or by email to the Building Division. You can also submit in person at City Hall (20 E. Main St). Pay the plan check fee at submission.

    Apply Online — Citizen Self Service →

    Submission by email is also accepted. Contact the Building Division for the current submission email address.

  4. Plan review

    City staff review your plans for compliance with zoning, building code, fire code, and utility requirements. Review times vary — typically 4–8 weeks for ADUs. You may receive correction comments requiring plan revisions before the permit is issued.

    Expedited review may be available for an additional fee. Ask Planning about current options.

  5. Permit issuance and fees

    Once plans are approved, pay the remaining permit fees and receive your building permit. Fees include Building Permit Fees (based on construction valuation) and System Development Charges (SDCs). SDCs are tiered: units under 500 sq ft get a 50% discount; 500–800 sq ft get a 25% discount; over 800 sq ft pay full SDCs.

    View fee schedule (PDF) →

    Fee schedule last verified August 2026. Confirm current fees with the City.

  6. Inspections during construction

    As construction progresses, schedule inspections with the City at key milestones: foundation, framing, rough mechanical (electrical/plumbing/HVAC), insulation, and final. Inspections are scheduled through the permit portal.

    Schedule Inspections →

    Your contractor typically handles inspection scheduling. Confirm this in your contract.

  7. Certificate of Occupancy

    After passing final inspection, the City issues a Certificate of Occupancy. This means your ADU is legally habitable and ready to use as planned — for a family member, rental tenant, or home office.

    You cannot legally occupy or rent the ADU until the Certificate of Occupancy is issued.

City of Ashland contacts

Official City documents

Permit in hand? Time to build.

Once your permit is issued, you're ready to start construction.

Learn About the Build Phase →