Pinole describes a local amnesty process for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and junior ADUs (JADUs) built without permits before January 1, 2020. The unit must function as a dwelling and meet the City’s health-and-safety conditions. A qualifying date is not enough on its own: the City reviews the evidence, site and inspection findings.
Prepare evidence and request the City’s review
The City recommends a self-assessment before application. Owners may also request a free staff consultation and may hire a licensed contractor or inspector for an optional confidential third-party inspection. These early steps help identify issues but do not replace City review. Pinole lists date evidence such as assessor records, utility bills, contractor bills, rental records and signed affidavits, along with a site plan and dimensioned floor plan. The City determines which documents are sufficient.
The amnesty permit includes two City Building Inspector visits: an initial inspection and a follow-up after corrections, if needed. If health-and-safety corrections require permits, the owner must obtain them and complete the work. Additional inspections may be charged at the City’s hourly rate. The City says the amnesty application deadline is January 1, 2030, and any enforcement delays end by January 1, 2035; check the current program page and linked forms before relying on dates or fees.
An enforcement delay is conditional
An owner may ask for an enforcement delay of up to five years if more time is needed for corrections. Pinole says it grants a delay only when the violations do not pose an immediate health or safety risk. This is not a blanket pause for every case or a substitute for completing permits and inspection. The City describes final amnesty only after its requirements are met.
Pinole also lists possible reductions to amnesty fees for qualifying owners or for an affordability commitment. Such a commitment can require a recorded covenant and annual rent monitoring; the reduction applies only to the specified amnesty fee, not other permits. See the City’s current ADU/JADU program for eligibility, current forms and incentive terms. Confirm all dates, inspections and final status with Pinole for the particular unit.