The ADU process generally follows this flow.
This timeline can be used as a basic reference. Each ADU project will vary in its duration based on many different circumstantial factors.
Building an ADU involves considerations of many aspects, from feasibility, financing, permitting, to construction.
This flow can be broken down into the following topics:
Financing
Permitting
Design — Construction
For more details on each step, continue below.
Read the Current ADU Ordinance
It is important to know what types of properties can build ADUs, and what types of ADUs can be built in New Haven, by understanding the city’s ADU ordinance. The “Can I Build One?” page of this toolkit can be a good place to start your research.
Continue if you meet the requirements for ADU creation.
Determine your source(s) of financing.
It is important to know how you will be financing this project before you proceed further with it. Some of these options are described on the financing page of this toolkit.
Visualize your ADU.
This design stage can be done yourself, or you can choose to hire an architect to design and produce drawings. Keep in mind the design restrictions regarding the dimensions.
Gather materials for a building permit application.
To apply for a building permit, you must submit your ADU plans, amongst other documents pertaining to your property. A full list can be found on the permitting page of this toolkit.
Schedule a pre-approval meeting with the City Plan Department.
After compiling your building permit application materials, a meeting with City Plan is recommended. Reviewing your materials with City Plan can help identify potential problems with your application ahead of your submission.
Continue after a pre-approval meeting with City Plan.
Find a contractor.
Depending on the scope of your ADU addition, you may choose to construct it yourself or hire a contractor. Having a near-finalized set of drawings will put you in a good position to talk to contractors and see what the best fit is for your project.
Submit your building permit application.
City Squared, an online platform, is used to submit all permit applications and related fees for the City of New Haven. More information on how this process works, as well as a tutorial on how to use City Squared, is available on the permitting page of this toolkit.
Start ADU construction.
If your building permit application is successful, you may proceed with the construction of your ADU.
Get a pre-occupancy inspection from the Office of Building Inspection & Enforcement (OBIE).
Contact OBIE regarding building inspections. If successful, they will provide you with a Certificate of Occupancy.
