El Cerrito, CA · Contra Costa County
JADU Declaration of Restrictions
A recorded declaration restricting a property with a junior accessory dwelling unit from being sold separately or subdivided, required by El Cerrito's JADU permit process.
- California-licensed notary
- ~15 min average
- Notarized PDF emailed
What you’ll need
- Government-issued photo ID
- Webcam-enabled device (laptop or phone)
- This form, ready to upload as a PDF
What this form is
El Cerrito Municipal Code §19.20.190 requires property owners adding a junior accessory dwelling unit (JADU) to record a Declaration of Restrictions against the property before the permit is finalized. The declaration confirms the JADU cannot be sold or transferred separately from the primary home, that the lot cannot be subdivided, and that an owner must occupy one of the units as a primary residence, with the City named as a third-party beneficiary able to enforce the terms.
Who needs it
Property owners in El Cerrito who are permitting a junior accessory dwelling unit and must record this declaration to satisfy the City's JADU conditions.
Why it needs a notary
As an instrument recorded against title to real property with the Contra Costa County Recorder, California recording law requires the property owner's signature to be acknowledged before a notary before the county will record it.
How to get this notarized
- 1
Download the Form
Get the JADU Declaration of Restrictions from El Cerrito's Application Forms and Checklists page.
- 2
Fill In Property Details
Enter the property address, Assessor's Parcel Number, and current deed recording information.
- 3
Book an Online Notary Session
Schedule a remote online notarization appointment and have your ID ready.
- 4
Sign on Video
Sign the declaration as Property Owner in front of the notary during your live video session.
- 5
Submit for City Signature and Recording
Return the notarized declaration to the City for its signature, then record it with the County.
Preview the form
The blank PDF straight from El Cerrito. Look it over, then upload your filled copy to start the notary session.
You’ll need ID and a webcam.
A licensed California online notary will join you on video, verify your government-issued ID, witness your signature, and apply their seal. You’ll receive the notarized PDF by email when the session ends.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need to notarize the El Cerrito JADU Declaration of Restrictions?
- Yes, because the Contra Costa County Recorder requires your signature on any recorded document affecting title to real property to be acknowledged before a notary.
- How do I get my JADU declaration notarized online?
- Upload the declaration, verify your identity, and sign in front of a commissioned online notary during a live video session, then download the notarized PDF for recording.
- What does the JADU Declaration of Restrictions do?
- It restricts the property so the junior accessory dwelling unit cannot be sold or transferred separately, prohibits subdividing the lot, and requires owner-occupancy of one unit.
- Will Contra Costa County accept an out-of-state online notary's acknowledgment?
- California's Civil Code §1189(b) recognizes acknowledgments taken by notaries commissioned in other states when performed under that state's law; check with the county recorder if unsure.
- Where do I submit the notarized declaration?
- Submit the notarized declaration to El Cerrito's Community Development Department for City signature, then it is recorded with the Contra Costa County Recorder.