Thinking about adding an accessory dwelling unit to your Hemet property? Getting the permit right is the smartest first step. A permitted ADU protects your resale value, keeps your insurance and financing clean, and helps you avoid costly do-overs later. California has strong, homeowner-friendly ADU laws, and the City of Hemet has a clear plan review and permit process. Here is how to navigate the rules, timelines, and next steps with confidence.
Why ADU permits matter
Permits are not just paperwork. They are your proof that the ADU meets state and local codes, which lenders, appraisers, insurers, and future buyers will expect. A permitted ADU is easier to refinance, rent, and sell at full value. California law sets a fast, ministerial approval timeline when you submit a complete ADU application, so working within the system can also save you time per California Government Code §65852.2.
ADU rules overview for homeowners
Before you sketch a layout, confirm the basics. Early checks prevent redesigns and delays later.
Property eligibility basics
- Zoning and location: Verify your address is inside Hemet city limits and check your parcel’s zoning. City staff can confirm whether your lot’s zoning allows an ADU and what objective standards apply. Hemet’s Development Review and Planning contacts are listed on the city website on the Development Review Committee page.
- HOA rules: If you are in an HOA, review CC&Rs for ADU requirements or architectural review steps. HOA rules do not override state law, but they can affect design and timing.
ADU types and use cases
- Detached ADU: A separate small home in the yard. Good for privacy and rental income.
- Attached ADU: Shares a wall with the main house. Good when yards are smaller.
- Garage conversion: Converts an existing garage into living space. Often fastest to permit and build.
- Junior ADU (JADU): Up to 500 square feet within the existing home with a simple efficiency kitchen. Useful for extended family or budget builds.
State law supports all of these forms with objective standards and ministerial review as outlined in §65852.2 and HCD guidance on the state ADU page.
Design and placement standards
- Size: State rules set minimum entitlements and caps that local agencies must honor. Detached ADUs commonly range from 800 to 1,200 square feet depending on the provision used. Confirm your specific allowance with Hemet Planning because site conditions matter see the state statute overview.
- Setbacks: New detached ADUs are often limited to no more than 4 feet from side and rear lot lines. Conversions of existing structures usually have broader setback relief per state law.
- Height, windows, and privacy: Plan window placement, entries, and lighting to limit neighbor impacts. Your designer can align these with code and site realities.
Parking and access considerations
- Parking limits: Many ADUs do not require new off-street parking, especially if they sit within one-half mile of public transit or convert existing space like a garage. If you do convert a garage, replacement parking generally cannot be required per state code.
- Safe access: Plan a clear, code-compliant path to the ADU and address addressing, lighting, and deliveries.
Utilities, fire, and life-safety
- Fire sprinklers: If the primary home does not require sprinklers, the city cannot require sprinklers in the ADU solely because it is an ADU, subject to the fire code review per state statute.
- Utility connections: Some ADUs need separate water, sewer, or electrical connections; others do not. Outside agencies like Eastern Municipal Water District handle many local water and sewer items. Contact them early to confirm connection or capacity fees, which Hemet lists among outside agencies on its Development Impact Fees page city information here.
Permit steps and expected timelines
California law sets fast decision timelines for complete ADU submittals. Hemet also describes its intake and review steps clearly on its site.
Pre-design homework
- Confirm jurisdiction, zoning, and any HOA design review.
- Pull basic site info: lot size, existing structures, utility locations, photos, and any prior surveys.
- Define goals: family use, rental income, or both. Identify your budget range and preferred ADU type.
Plans and submittal package
- Typical components include a site plan, floor plans, elevations, structural details, Title 24 energy documents, and code compliance notes.
- Hemet uses an online portal for plan intake. As of October 1, 2024, paper plans are not accepted, and over-the-counter checks are limited to smaller projects per Hemet’s plan review page.
- Ask whether Hemet offers preapproved ADU plans. Under AB 1332, cities must provide preapproved plans and act within 30 days when you use one see statewide update summary.
Plan check and corrections
- Ministerial review: If your application is complete and meets objective standards, the city must approve or deny within 60 days. If the city does not act, the application is deemed approved. The 60-day clock pauses while you respond to comments per §65852.2.
- Coordination: Hemet routes plans to Planning, Building & Safety, Fire, Engineering, and sometimes outside agencies. Larger design reviews use the Development Review Committee, which can add meetings and time for complex cases see DRC overview.
Permit issuance and pre-construction
- After clearances, Hemet invoices plan check and permit fees. Once paid, the city issues your permit and job cards process described on Permit Issuance.
- Line up financing, lock contractor availability, and plan neighbor communication.
Construction schedule factors
- Expect schedules to vary based on materials, inspections, weather, and change orders.
- Keep a small buffer for re-inspections or utility work.
Costs, fees, and financing options
What drives total project cost
- Size and complexity of the ADU
- Site work and utilities, including trenching and panel upgrades
- Design and engineering requirements
- Finish level and labor market conditions
- Contingency for surprises
Permit and impact fees
- City fees: plan check, building, fire, and engineering are typical line items, calculated during review and paid before issuance see Hemet financial and fee information.
- Impact fees: Under state law, ADUs under 750 square feet are commonly exempt from local development impact fees. Larger ADUs may pay proportional fees based on size relative to the main dwelling. Confirm Hemet’s current practice and request a written estimate during plan review example explanation of common ADU fee rules.
- Utilities and schools: Utility connection or capacity charges are set by outside agencies. Hemet identifies the responsible agencies on its Development Impact Fees page city page here.
Financing paths to explore
- Cash or savings for smaller conversions
- HELOC or cash-out refinance for larger builds
- Renovation loans with draws aligned to milestones
- Builder financing or staged payments
Compare rates, approval timelines, and draw schedules so funding matches construction.
Rental and resale planning
- Rental terms: State law lets cities require ADU rentals to be longer than 30 days. Many cities use this to bar short-term rentals in ADUs. Confirm Hemet’s policy in writing before planning STR use state authority summarized here. If your property is outside city limits, note that county STR rules may also apply county STR program overview.
- Resale: Keep stamped plans, permits, inspection sign-offs, and photos. Appraisers and buyers will rely on that file.
Inspections and final approvals
Inspection sequence and scheduling
- Typical checkpoints include foundation, framing, rough trades, insulation and energy, and final. Hemet’s Building Division provides the inspection request process and follows the California Building Code city codes page.
- Make sure the responsible party is present with approved plans and job cards.
Corrections and re-inspections
- If the inspector notes corrections, address them promptly and request re-inspection. Keep receipts and cut sheets for installed equipment handy to speed the sign-off.
Closeout documents and sign-offs
- Final inspection approval and certificate of occupancy or equivalent closeout
- As-built updates if needed
- Owner’s manuals and warranties for installed systems
- If renting, confirm any Hemet registration or minimum-term requirements in writing coordinate through Permit Issuance and Planning contacts.
Common pitfalls and how to avoid them
Starting design without confirming rules
- Always confirm zoning, utilities, and basic standards before paying for full plans. Use state law and Hemet contacts as your guardrails statute link for baseline rules and HCD guidance.
Underestimating utility and site work
- Sewer, water, electrical capacity, grading, and drainage can define your budget. Engage outside agencies early city page listing agencies.
Incomplete plan sets and scope changes
- Coordinate architect, structural, energy, and contractor inputs before submittal. Timely responses keep your 60-day statutory review on track per §65852.2 timelines.
Weak contractor vetting
- Check licenses, insurance, references, and schedule realism. Make roles and change-order rules clear in writing.
Poor documentation and communication
- Keep a single file with permits, plan check comments, approvals, inspection cards, and photos. Share a simple timeline with your team.
Next steps for homeowners in this market
Assess your property and goals
- Walk your site with a tape and camera. Note access, likely setbacks, tree impacts, utilities, and parking. Decide on family use, rental, or both.
Build your ADU team
- Interview designers, contractors, and, if needed, a civil engineer. Ask if they have completed Hemet ADUs and know the city portal. Clarify who handles submittals and responses.
Compare build-versus-buy options
- In some cases, buying a larger home or one with an existing ADU may beat a ground-up build. Run numbers for both paths, including timing and financing.
Connect for local guidance
- If you want help with rent comps, sell-versus-build scenarios, and vetted local referrals, our team is here. Start a friendly consult with Feigen Realty Group. We bring neighborhood knowledge, valuation tools, and a practical action plan so you can move forward with clarity.
FAQs
Do I need to live on the property to build or rent an ADU?
- No owner-occupancy requirement applies to ADUs permitted under recent state law changes. JADUs can be treated differently. Confirm details for your case see AB 976 summaries and state context.
How fast will Hemet approve my ADU permit?
- State law requires approval or denial within 60 days of a complete submittal, with the clock paused while you make corrections. If you use a preapproved plan, cities must act within 30 days 60-day rule and preapproved plan timelines.
What are the typical size, setback, and parking rules?
- Detached ADUs commonly qualify for up to 800 to 1,200 square feet subject to state provisions, with side and rear setbacks capped at about 4 feet for many builds, and limited parking requirements in many situations state standards summary.
Are ADUs under 750 square feet exempt from impact fees?
- Under state rules used across California, ADUs under 750 square feet are commonly exempt from local development impact fees. Larger ADUs may pay proportional fees. Confirm with Hemet during plan review and ask for a written estimate fee rule example.
Will I need fire sprinklers in the ADU?
- If your main home does not require sprinklers, the ADU generally cannot be forced to add them solely because it is an ADU, subject to fire code review statutory reference.
Can I use my ADU as a short-term rental?
- Cities can require ADU rentals to be longer than 30 days, and many do. Confirm Hemet’s current policy in writing before planning short-term stays. If outside city limits, review county STR rules too state authority and county program overview.
How do I submit plans and who reviews them?
- Hemet accepts digital plan submittals through its portal. Building, Planning, Fire, Engineering, and other departments review your plans before permit issuance plan review process and permit issuance steps.
