How to Apply for an ADU

1. Verify that the property meets the eligibility requirements. 

ADUs are permitted on certain properties.  Below is a list of property requirements defining where ADUs can be built. 

• ADUs are only permitted on R-2 Single- and Two-Family District zoned properties. Search for the zoning of your property here.  
• The R-2 District zoned property can only have one existing single-family dwelling unit on it. 

The owner of the property must occupy either the existing single-family dwelling unit or the proposed ADU as their primary residence.

2. Verify the proposed ADU meets the physical location requirements. 

Read about physical location requirements here. 

3. Contact the Planning & Development Department for informal review.  

Residents are encouraged to contact the Planning & Development Department to discuss their proposed ADU prior to preparing construction documents and submitting any applications. City Staff can help provide guidance on the applicable zoning and building code rules and regulations. 

Contact the Planning & Development Department at 216-529-6630.

4. Apply for conditional use permit from Planning Commission. 

Read about the Planning Commission application process here.  

 Some ADU projects may require additional approvals by the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) and/or the Board of Building Standards (BBS). Contact the Planning & Development Department to see if your project requires additional approvals.  

5. Apply for approval from the Architectural Board of Review.  

An ADU must be reviewed and approved by the Architectural Board of Review in accordance with any applicable requirements, standards, and guidelines.

To apply for ABR, click here and, once on the web page, click “APPLY NOW” under “Apply to Architectural Board of Review.” That will take you to Citizen Serve to create an account and fill out/upload files for your ABR application. There is a $50 fee associated with this application.  

With your ABR application, please submit a site plan, plans for exterior elevations, color renderings of the building/site, cut sheets for all finishes (windows, doors, lighting, façade materials, etc.), and landscape plan.  

6. Apply for the Building Permit  

A building permit is required to build a new ADU. Your project will also require electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits. Heat, electrical, and plumbing must be installed in all ADUs. 

View Building Permit requirements here. Building Permit applications can be submitted online via CitizenServe. 

Construction documents and permit application are required to be submitted to the Building Department.

City of Lakewood Division of Water and Sewer will require individual sanitary, storm, and water tap to separate the ADU from the primary residence.

Contact the Illuminating Company (electrical provider) and Enbridge (natural gas provider) prior to submittal to understand any specific requirements these utility companies have on separate services.

7. Request a New Address or Building Number 

Addresses will be assigned for ADUs. For example: 1234 Marlowe would have an address associated with the ADU as 1234 ½ Marlowe. The assigned ADU address needs to be posted in the yard, or on the primary structure visible from the right of way. The address change will be reported to Cuyahoga County by the Building Commissioner.

Contact the Building Department at 216-529-6270 for further instructions.

8. Pay the Plan Review Fees and complete the Review Process 

Residential Plan Approval applications can be submitted online via CitizenServe.
Plan reviews can take up to but not exceeding 30 days.

9. Pay the Permit Fees and Activate the Permits 

Pay permit fees and activate permits through your CitizenServe account.

10. Begin Construction and Schedule Inspections 

Contact the Building Department at 216-529-6270 to schedule inspections.
View a sample inspection checklist here.  

11. Upon completion, the applicant will receive a Certificate of Occupancy and Certificate of Completion.