About Backyard Permit

Backyard Permit helps homeowners find out what they can build on their lot (an accessory dwelling unit, a junior ADU, a garage conversion, a backyard cottage or, in some states, a duplex or lot split) and how to get it permitted in their city. It's an independent site, not affiliated with any government agency, builder, prefab company or lender, and it's supported by ads.

Why state law comes first

Many states have passed laws that make cities allow ADUs and limit what cities can require. Local web pages don't always keep up. Each city page here starts from what state law guarantees, then adds the city's own rules, fees and steps, and says so when the two seem to disagree.

How pages are checked

• We use only official sources: state statutes and regulations, state housing agencies, and city planning and building department pages, codes, handouts and fee schedules. For costs and loans we use government and university studies and the loan programs' own rules.
• Every paragraph links to the sources that support it. Numbers, fees, sizes, setbacks and deadlines are checked against the source's exact wording.
• Each page gets a second, independent check before it's published, and shows the date it was last reviewed.
• We don't use builders', lenders' or blog articles as sources.

What we can't do

Zoning and building rules depend on your exact lot: its zone, size, slope, easements, historic status, fire or flood hazard area and more. Use these pages to prepare, then confirm with your city before you pay for plans.

Found a mistake?

Please tell us at web@backyardpermit.com. We fix errors as soon as we can confirm them.