East Palo Alto, CA · San Mateo County
Preliminary Ministerial Review Clearance – Accessory Dwelling Units
Property owners or applicants use this application to request preliminary planning clearance for a proposed accessory dwelling unit in East Palo Alto.
What this form is
This application lets the Planning Division review a proposed accessory dwelling unit for conformance with the city’s objective development, design, and subdivision standards. The clearance is required before applying for a building permit, but it does not approve construction. Applicants provide project, property, and contact details; describe the proposed unit; answer site-condition questions; and sign the certification and indemnification agreement.
Who needs it
Property owners or their authorized applicants proposing an accessory dwelling unit in East Palo Alto need to request this preliminary clearance before applying for a building permit.
How to submit it
The form names the Community & Economic Development Department, Planning Division, at 1960 Tate Street, East Palo Alto, CA 94303, and lists [email protected]. It does not state a submission method.
About notarization
This document is signed without a notary; the applicant or owner signs and dates the certification, and an owner authorization letter may be submitted instead of the owner’s signature.
How to submit this form
- 1
Download The Application
Download the Preliminary Ministerial Review Clearance application for accessory dwelling units.
- 2
Complete The Application
Provide project and property details, describe the proposed ADU, answer the site-condition questions, and sign and date the certification.
- 3
Gather Applicable Attachments
If applicable, prepare an owner authorization letter in place of the property owner’s signature. The form also identifies flood-related information that may be required.
- 4
Submit To The Planning Division
The form names the Planning Division at 1960 Tate Street and lists [email protected]; it does not specify a submission method.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need a notary for the ADU preliminary clearance application?
- No. This document is signed without a notary. The applicant or owner signs and dates the certification; an owner authorization letter may be submitted instead of the owner’s signature.
- What does the preliminary clearance do?
- It confirms whether the proposed ADU conforms to the city’s objective development, design, and subdivision standards. It does not grant approval to construct the ADU.
- How do I submit the ADU preliminary clearance application?
- The form names the Community & Economic Development Department, Planning Division, at 1960 Tate Street, East Palo Alto, CA 94303, and lists [email protected]. It does not specify how to submit.