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Permit guides

ADU Permits in Oakdale: a Homeowner's Guide

Oakdale runs a small, four-day-a-week counter — but its homeowners can use the same free pre-drawn ADU plans as the rest of Stanislaus County's partner cities.

Last updated October 2026. Rules change; always confirm current requirements with the city before you build.

Who handles your permit

ADU permits in Oakdale run through the Community Development Department — Building Division, part of the Oakdale Public Services Department at 455 S. Fifth Avenue — (209) 845-3625. Hours are 7:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Thursday; the office is closed Fridays. Because the staff is small, a complete first submittal matters more here than in bigger cities.

What you can build

The Stanislaus County pre-drawn plans — free in Oakdale too

Stanislaus County partnered with Oakdale, Modesto, Ceres, Riverbank, Turlock, and Waterford to develop pre-drawn ADU plans for detached new construction — from a 260 sq ft studio to a 1,192 sq ft 3-bedroom, each with multiple exterior finish options. They're free to Oakdale property owners, and because the structural design is already reviewed, your submittal focuses on the site.

Oakdale is a smaller city with a four-day counter week — the practical effect is that an incomplete application costs you more calendar time here. Use the pre-drawn plans to cut the structural review, and bring a clean, to-scale plot plan on the first visit.

What goes into the submittal

• Building permit application through the Building Division counter or as directed by staff.
• Plot plan drawn to scale: parcel dimensions, structure locations, driveways, easements, wells and septic where present, and all setbacks.
• Floor plan and foundation details — streamlined when using the pre-drawn plans; full sets needed for custom designs.
• Title 24 energy compliance and MEP layouts.
• Septic/well documentation for outlying lots — County Environmental Health review runs on its own timeline, so start it early.

Where applications usually get stuck

• Friday closures. The counter is closed Fridays — plan inspections and pickups for Monday through Thursday.
• Septic and well review. Lots on Oakdale's edges may rely on septic systems or wells; county health review and capacity verification can add weeks.
• Stanislaus River floodplain. Properties near the river corridor face floodplain review and elevation requirements.
• Small-staff review queues. Fewer reviewers means correction rounds take longer — completeness up front is your schedule.
• Rural-lot surprises. Equestrian and country lots can carry old easements, shared driveways, or agricultural deed restrictions — pull a title and parcel map before design.