Legalize Your Unpermitted ADU or Garage Conversion
Already built without permits? Bought a home with a converted garage, guest house or backyard unit? Bryce helps with existing-condition plans, permit documentation and coordination of city corrections. Start with a free initial conversation about your property.
Monday–Friday, 9am–6pm PT · 20+ years of design and construction experience
Have a city notice? Mention the deadline when you contact us.
What Happened With Your Property?
Tell us what you're dealing with — we'll help you understand the general path forward.
Understand the general process for legalizing an existing unpermitted ADU in California.
Learn more →Just found out after closing? Here's what California homeowners should know about their options.
Learn more →Guidance for property owners responding to a building code violation or correction notice.
Learn more →What's involved in legalizing an unpermitted garage conversion in California.
Learn more →Understanding your options for selling a California property with an unpermitted ADU.
Learn more →Yes, in many cases — here's how retroactive permitting generally works in California.
Learn more →Start here for a general overview of unpermitted work and structure legalization in California.
Learn more →
Meet Bryce A. Keller
Residential Designer & Project Manager | 20+ Years of Design and Construction Experience
Bryce has worked in architectural design, project coordination, and construction-related services since 2004 — helping California homeowners with design, documentation, and permit-related planning for unpermitted ADUs, garage conversions, additions, and other residential improvements.
Plans to Permit Your Existing ADU
Start by discussing your property, the work already built and any city notices. The project scope determines which drawings, records and professional services are needed.
Document what is already there
Existing-condition and as-built plan preparation, with permit-record research and documentation coordination.
Existing ADU permit plans →Organize permit next steps
Support preparing permit documentation, coordinating submittals and responding to plan-check corrections.
See the process →Understand the project costs
Discuss the service scope separately from city fees, engineering and any construction corrections. Approval and total costs depend on your property.
Understand pricing →Not sure whether your ADU can be permitted?
You do not need existing plans to start the conversation. Tell Bryce the property city, what was built and whether you have a city notice.
Call Bryce: 310-570-2885Plans & Permit Support for Existing Unpermitted Work
ADU Legalization assists California property owners with a wide range of unpermitted residential improvements. Every project requires individual review — requirements vary by property, jurisdiction, and project scope.
Assistance understanding and navigating the legalization process for unpermitted accessory dwelling units throughout California.
Learn more →Guidance for property owners with unpermitted garage conversions — one of the most common unpermitted structures in California.
Learn more →Assistance for owners with unpermitted guest houses, casitas, or backyard cottages that may qualify for legalization as ADUs.
Learn more →Help understanding the process of legalizing unpermitted room additions, expanded living areas, and structural additions.
Learn more →Guidance for property owners responding to building code violations, stop-work notices, or correction notices.
Learn more →Assistance coordinating the preparation of as-built plans documenting existing conditions for permit applications.
Learn more →Assistance researching historical permit records and building history for California residential properties.
Learn more →Assistance reviewing unpermitted structures before selling or buying a California property — understanding what exists before closing.
Learn more →Explore Our ADU Plans & Projects
See examples of floor plans, design concepts, and 3D renderings created for a variety of ADU and residential projects.
3D Rendering
Project FP17Converted ADU Floor PlanView 2 images →
3D Rendering
Project FP09Two-Unit ADU PlanView 2 images →
3D Rendering
Project FP03Two-Bedroom ADU Unit PlanView 2 images →
3D Rendering
Project FP18Two-Bedroom, Two-Bath ADUView 2 images →
3D Rendering
Project FP01One-Bedroom ADU LayoutView 3 images →
Design Concept
Project FP04Barn ConversionView 3 images →
Unpermitted ADUs • Garage Conversions • Additions • Code Issues
Explore Legalization Services →What Are You Planning?
Planning an ADU? Start with what you want to build, and we'll help you understand the plans, permitting, and coordination involved.
Planning to convert your garage, permitted from the start.
Learn more →The Risks of Leaving Work Unpermitted
Unpermitted structures create real legal, financial, and practical risk for California property owners while their permit status remains unresolved.
- ✕ Property sale blocked or falling out of escrow
- ✕ Insurance claims denied for unpermitted areas
- ✕ Refinancing and appraisal complications
- ✕ City or county notice to abate or demolish
- ✕ Code violation fines accumulating over time
- ✕ Liability exposure in unpermitted rental units
- ✓ A property review helps identify the issues that apply to your situation
What Legalization Can Accomplish
Proper permits and completed inspections can help resolve permit-related concerns. Insurance, lending and sale decisions still depend on the property and the requirements of the insurer, lender or buyer.
The General Legalization Process
While every situation is different, legalization projects generally follow a common sequence. Your specific steps will depend on the property, structure, and reviewing jurisdiction.
We review your property situation, understand the structure, and help you gather the information needed to assess the general path forward.
We assist with researching available permit records, assessor data, and building history to understand what documentation exists.
We help coordinate the preparation of as-built plans, measurements, and other documentation typically required for a permit application.
When licensed architects, engineers, or contractors are needed, we help identify and coordinate with qualified professionals.
We help coordinate the preparation and submittal of permit applications to the appropriate city or county department.
We help track the application, understand correction notices, and coordinate responses until the review process is complete.
Serving Property Owners Across California
ADU Legalization provides assistance to property owners throughout California — from Southern California to the Bay Area and Northern California.
Common Questions About ADU and Structure Legalization
ADU Legalization helps California property owners with a wide range of unpermitted residential improvements, including ADUs, garage conversions, JADUs, guest houses, room additions, unpermitted bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, patio conversions, detached structures, code violations, stop-work notices, as-built plans, permit research, and more. See our full services list.
No. ADU Legalization provides general information and project-coordination assistance — not legal, architectural, engineering, construction, zoning, or municipal advice. We help property owners understand the process, gather information, and coordinate with qualified professionals when required. Licensed professionals may be required for your project.
No. Whether a specific structure can be legalized depends on the property, zoning, building history, construction type, and the requirements of the reviewing jurisdiction. An individual property review is needed before determining whether and how legalization may be possible. ADU Legalization helps property owners understand their specific situation.
ADU Legalization assists property owners throughout California — all 58 counties, from Southern California and the Inland Empire to the Bay Area, Central Valley, Central Coast, and Northern California. See our service areas page or city directory.
The first step is an initial property review. You can contact ADU Legalization by phone or through our online form to describe your situation. We'll help you understand what information is typically needed and what the general process involves for your type of property.
What Clients Say About Our Work
"Bryce, you've been amazing throughout this ordeal. Thank you!"
"The plans are amazing! They look exactly like what I submit to the cities for the pools my boss builds."
"Oh my god, you're brilliant. I couldn't have said it better myself, great job."
"Bryce does excellent work."
"Really thrilled with Bryce's ideas! Keep them coming!"
Not Sure If Your Structure Can Be Legalized?
Request an initial property review — we'll help you understand your situation and what the process typically involves.
Request a Property Review → Call 310-570-2885