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Permit guides
ADU Permits in Lodi: a Homeowner's Guide
Lodi gives away pieces of its pre-approved ADU program for free — and publishes unusually good guidance on converting garages and sheds. Here's how it works.
Last updated October 2026. Rules change; always confirm current requirements with the city before you build.
Who handles your permit
The City of Lodi Community Development Department (Building Division) handles ADU permits — the department's housing and ADU pages are posted under lodi.gov's Community Development section. If there is an existing single-family home or multifamily development on the property, complete applications are acted on within 60 days, or deemed approved — see Lodi Municipal Code 17.36.130 for the exceptions.
What you can build
FreePre-approved plan items provided at no cost in Lodi's ADU guide
60 daysActed on or deemed approved, per LMC 17.36.130
1,200 sq ftDetached ADU max under state law
Conversion guideCity guidance covers permitted vs unpermitted structure conversions
Lodi ElectricMunicipal electric utility — service handled in-house
500 sq ftJunior ADU max, carved from existing space
Lodi's Pre-Approved ADU Program
Lodi runs a Pre-Approved ADU Program: items in the submittal checklist marked for the program are provided at no cost, and using them shortens review because the design side is already vetted. You still supply the site-specific pieces — application, site plan, utility details, and fees.
The city also publishes a separate ADU conversion handout that distinguishes converting a permitted accessory structure (building permit + inspection) from converting an unpermitted one (permit it or remove it — treated closer to a new build). If you're eyeing a garage or shed, read that handout before you buy plans.
What goes into the submittal
- Construction permit application, plus an owner-builder supplemental form if applicable.
- Three complete plan sets for new residential buildings (at least two wet-signed/stamped by a CA-licensed architect or engineer): cover sheet, plot plan, floor plans, elevations, foundation and framing, structural details, truss calcs, and MEP.
- Title 24 energy compliance and California Green Building measures.
- Garage conversions: two complete plan sets drawn to scale — site plan, floor plan with plumbing/electrical, framing layout and cross-section, foundation details, energy calcs.
- Payment of fees at submittal.
Where applications usually get stuck
- Unpermitted existing structures. Lodi is explicit: an unpermitted shed or garage must be permitted or removed — inspectors will want to see inside walls.
- Water, sewer, and electrical capacity. The city's own conversion guide flags these as the most common issues — underpinning slabs, upgrading service, and meeting Title 24.
- Flood areas. Properties near the Mokelumne River corridor face extra floodplain review and elevation requirements.
- Agricultural edges. Parcels on Lodi's fringe may sit near Williamson Act contract land or ag buffers — check compatibility before design.
- Fire separation. Tight side yards trigger rated-wall and opening limitations; measure first, draw second.
Not sure where to start? That's the part we do. We look at your property, map the requirements, coordinate the plans and specialists, and manage the submittal and corrections — one point of contact.