Northern California ADUs & Backyard Sheds – Custom & Prefab Solutions
Looking for a high-quality custom or prefab ADU in California? Studio Shed is fully active in the NorCal market, offering comprehensive services for both ADUs and single-room studios.
Get a Free ConsultationCustom & Prefab ADUs in Northern California
With expert installation teams, dedicated customer support, and streamlined shipping from our Colorado facility, we make it easy to bring your dream California prefab (aka prefabricated) home to life. Whether you're adding a backyard office, guest suite, or full living space, our modern, prefab designs are built for California living — delivering style, efficiency, and functionality with minimal hassle.
Serving Northern California – ADU Solutions Across the Region
Studio Shed proudly serves Northern California with full-service ADU and single-room studio solutions. From backyard ADUs to expansive residences, we deliver high-quality, modern living spaces across the region.
Key Counties/Cities Studio Shed Serves in Northern California:
How Much Does It Cost to Build an ADU in Northern California?
The cost of building an ADU in San Jose and other areas of Northern California can vary widely depending on factors like location, size, design complexity, and local permit requirements. Urban areas such as San Francisco and San Jose tend to have higher construction and permitting costs, while suburban or rural regions may offer more affordable options. Additionally, elements like utility connections, foundation type, and material choices can significantly impact the overall cost.
Permitting fees are typically charged by your local government, the State, and various other agencies. While some fees are based on the specifics of your project, others are fixed. It's important to note that local governments don't control some of the larger fees—such as school and water fees—which are determined by other agencies and depend on the size or location of your ADU.
While the fees listed below are commonly required, the exact amounts and due dates will vary based on your location. For more details, be sure to contact your local planning staff. Potential fees may include:
- Planning review/permit fees
- Plan check fees
- Building permit fees
- Other department fees
- School District fees (for ADUs over 500 SF)
- Development impact fees (for ADUs over 750 SF)
- Utility and sanitation fees
City-Specific ADU Costs:
How much does an ADU permit cost in Sacramento?
Permit fees in Sacramento for ADUs can range from $5,000 to $10,000, depending on the unit's size and type. This includes impact fees, plan review, and building permits. Sacramento also offers streamlined permitting options to encourage ADU development.
How much does a San Jose ADU permit cost?
In San Jose, ADU permit costs typically range between $8,000 and $15,000. The total price includes plan check fees, building permits, and potential utility connection fees. San Jose has also introduced pre-approved ADU plans to help reduce both costs and permitting time.
Use our Project Cost Calculator to get an estimated cost based on your area. To get a precise estimate for your specific location and project, it's best to check with your local building department or work with an experienced ADU provider like Studio Shed.
Check out the San Mateo and Napa Sonoma websites for additional helpful information on permitting and budgeting for your ADU project.
ADU Regulations & Permitting in Northern California
Wondering how big an ADU can be in California? Typically, they can be up to 1,200 square feet, depending on local zoning regulations. The size may vary based on factors such as lot size and whether the ADU is attached or detached from the main residence. You'll need to check with local authorities for specific requirements in your area.
Navigating ADU regulations in Northern California can feel overwhelming, but the good news is that state laws have made the process easier than ever. Many cities have streamlined approvals, cutting down on wait times and reducing permit costs. Places like San Jose and Sacramento, CA, even offer pre-approved ADU plans to speed things up.
That said, each city has its own rules, such as setback requirements, parking needs, and utility connections, so it's important to know what applies in your area.
With the right team by your side, you can tackle the permitting process with confidence and get your ADU project moving smoothly.
See Our Work – ADU & Backyard Shed Projects Across NorCal
From modern backyard studios to fully equipped ADUs, our projects bring high-quality, functional living spaces to homes throughout Northern California.
Explore some of our most popular models below to see how we've helped homeowners across NorCal create beautiful, custom-built spaces:
What NorCal Homeowners Say About Our ADUs
Hear about how one San Anselmo couple transitioned to living in an ADU in this customer spotlight.
And here are just a few rave reviews from our fabulous customers:
"Working with Studio Shed was fantastic. I work from home full time, the studio serves as the perfect at home office in the backyard, allowing me to be at home, but not in the home at the same time. The Studio Shed Team was great to work with making for a straightforward experience beginning to end. I used them for every step of the process, making my life easy as things got done, and done so professionally. I cannot think of a better use of the space the shed takes up. I would highly recommend."
"Our studio shed experience was fantastic! From our visit to their factory, the shed design and the delivery and construction. We chose to finish the interior ourselves. I'm sure our capable crew would have done a great job there as well! Highly recommend!"
"Every aspect of this process was outstanding. I am a professional in the construction space with a focus on prefab. I had high expectations that were all exceeded. The design process is great, and the installation process was first rate."
Service Areas – We Deliver ADUs Across Northern California
Studio Shed's expert installation teams and seamless delivery process provide a hassle-free experience, no matter where you're located in Northern California. We also have dedicated sales reps in the NorCal market who are available to offer personalized service and expertise tailored to your needs.
Our local team is ready to assist you with any inquiries or project requirements in the region.
Get a Free Consultation for Your ADU in Northern California
For more information, read more about our process and check out our FAQ page.
And when you're ready to bring your ADU vision to life, our team at Studio Shed is here to help! Schedule a free consultation to get expert guidance on design, permitting, and installation that's tailored to your space, needs, and budget.
