Secondary Dwelling Units

Before beginning your secondary dwelling unit construction, there are steps to take to make sure your new dwelling will be in compliance with State and local regulations regarding land and construction.

Step 1: Determine Special Development Conditions

Before determining if a building permit is required for my project, is there any specific information I need to know from the City of Rocklin?
Yes. You should determine if there are any special development conditions for your project. Please contact the Building Division at 916.625.5120 for general information. In some cases, you may need to contact individual divisions. There are also special City of Rocklin zoning development standards that apply. Please visit the Rocklin Municipal Code 17.66.155 and RMC 17.08.160 and view the Secondary Residential Units handout for Secondary Dwelling Unit zoning information. In addition, you should also determine if there are any CC&Rs (Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions) or other deed restrictions for your subdivision and/or property. You may want to contact your homeowner's association for more information. Once you have determined the applicable conditions for your project, you will need to determine if a building permit is required for your project.

Before applying for my permit, are there any other agencies that should also be contacted?
Yes. You should also contact the appropriate school district and utility companies for possible fees and requirements. Please see our Agency Directory for school district and utility company addresses and phone numbers.

Step 2: Determine if Permit is Required

Is a building permit required for a secondary dwelling unit?
Yes, a building permit is required for a secondary dwelling unit. Once your application, supporting documents, and plans are submitted, they are reviewed by staff to ensure that construction meets minimum life safety requirements and the project is in compliance with the City or Rocklin zoning ordinance and development standards.

What plans and forms do I need to submit to have a complete submittal?
The following forms are provided for your convenience. Original signatures are required to obtain a permit. Please do not fax.

(Note: Some plans or calculations may not always be necessary. You should contact the Building Division for more specific information or if you have questions regarding your permit application.)

• Application for Permit
• Project Contact Information Sheet
• 3 Sets of Complete Building Plans (include Plot Plan)
• 2 Sets of Structural Calculations
• 2 Sets of Energy Documentation
• 2 Sets of Truss Calculations (can be deferred)
• 1 Soils Report (If not on file and current with the City of Rocklin)
• Certificate of Compliance School District Development Fees form
• CF-1R-Add Certificate of Compliance: Residential Additions Form, as applicable
(visit www. Energy.Gov to download the form)
• CF-1R-Certificate of Compliance: Residential New Construction, as applicable
(visit www. Energy.Gov to download the form)
• Grading and Erosion and Sedimentation Control Statement
• Owner Builder Verification Form (This form is only for property owners applying for their own permits.)

When the plans and forms are submitted, will I be required to pay a plan check deposit?
Yes, a deposit will be required. Please contact the Building Division at 916.625.5120 for deposit amount.

Where should I submit the forms and plans?
Building Division
Administration Building, 1st Floor
3970 Rocklin Road
Rocklin, CA 95677

Step 3: Project Review

After I submit my plans, what happens next?
At the time of submittal, the project will be assigned a tracking number (plan check number) that will be used to track the progress of the plans and plan review. The plans will then be distributed by Building staff to the necessary City Departments for their review and comment. Upon receipt of the plans, each department will assign a staff member to the project. Each department's staff member will perform an independent review of the project and forward their comments to the person designated on the Project Contact Information Sheet. The contact person is responsible for addressing each department's comments and resubmitting revised plans, as needed. This step will continue until each department's comments have been adequately addressed.

Step 4: Project Approval

After the plans are approved by all required City departments, what is the next step?
Once the reviewing departments approve the project they will notify the Building Division of their approval. At this time final fees due will be calculated and the project paperwork will be prepared for issuance. (Please visit our Fees page for details on permit fees.) Once the fees are calculated and the paperwork is ready, the project contact person will be notified.

Step 5: Fees and Permit Issuance

Will I need to pay school district fees before my permit can be issued?
Yes. After the plan check has been completed, the Building Division will complete their portion of the Certificate of Compliance School District Development Fees form. The project contact person will then be asked to pick up the form at the Building Division. This form will need to be presented to the appropriate school district and any applicable school district fees will need to be paid. Proof of payment will need to be presented to the Building Division prior to issuance of the permit. (Some projects adding livable square footage may be exempt from school district fees. Please contact your appropriate school district for details. Please see our Reference Directory for school district addresses and phone numbers.)

Once I pay the school district fees, will I need to pay fees to the City of Rocklin?
Yes. Once your plans are approved and proof of payment or exemption for school district fees is received by the Building Division, the project contact person, or authorized person, will need to pay any additional or outstanding permit fees that may apply to the project. Please visit our Fees page for complete details. Once all required fees are paid, the building permit will be issued.

Step 6: Building Inspections

Once the permit is issued and construction begins, should I request inspections from the City of Rocklin Building Division?
Yes. Inspections that follow the issuance of the permit are provided to ensure that work completed on the project meets current building codes and standards. To learn how to schedule an inspection, please visit our Residential Building Inspection page.

Step 7: Project Completion

Once the project passes its final inspection, is there anything else that needs to be done?
No. After your project passes the final inspection, the project will be considered complete.