Pre-Approved Plans: Internal Program Checklist

Part 1 – Pre-Approving Plans (no address associated with the application)

• Prepare your permitting system for applications with no site or address. Some permitting software allows applications to be entered with no address, but if your jurisdiction does not, decide on a simple address to be used for all pre-approved plan applications, like 123 ADU Plan Street.
• Decide what will be included in your review for pre-approved plans. Review permit application materials, talk amongst departments, and determine the requirements for an application with no site or address. Develop a list of what additional information will be needed for the site-specific applications.
• Create and/or adjust application forms for pre-approval (and guidance to go above and beyond). Indicate no address as a selection option where applicable and update existing checklists, forms and websites with details on the pre-approved plan application requirements.
• Optional: Consider developing a simple one-page summary guidance to ensure both staff and those submitting are clear on the requirements and process.
• Optional: Add a pre-approval opt-in to ADU permit applications. Add the option for designers to go through pre-approval at the same time as normal permitting for a site-specific ADU design. Be clear this means they’re willing to use the design repeatedly and what elements of the design are pre-approved.
• Identify how to track pre-approvals. Decide on how to track pre-approvals within existing systems, including which ones are in-process and accepted, date of approval, and permit numbers. This will help with site-specific applications and usage tracking.
• Determine whether to add an administrative fee for the pre-approval process. Assess if fees should be included, based on the administrative costs associated with the pre-approval process.
• Determine how you will list your pre-approved plans. Coordinate with the relevant web team/IT department or choose another method for showing the pre-approved plans options to homeowners. Listings must include a way to move forward with the plans, whether through a local department or directly with the designer/architect. To increase usage of the plans, it is highly recommended to add more than just the basic details to your listings. An attractive image (multiple are even better) and a description of the design and its features will help get homeowners interested and compare plans. Consider labeling plans that coordinate with other programs and local goals, such as accessible ADUs or climate-resilient ADUs.

Part 2 – Using Pre-Approved Plans (homeowner applications for permits)

• Determine the review process for site-specific applications using pre-approved plans. You will need to compare the site-specific application to the pre-approved plan to ensure relevant details are identical. You could have Planning staff do an initial comparison of the plans during plan check then, if it passes, have Building complete a more thorough review.
• Create and/or adjust application forms for using pre-approved plans. Using finalized application requirements, update checklists, forms, and websites for homeowners.
• Optional: Consider developing a simple one-page summary guidance to ensure both staff and those submitting are clear on requirements.

Part 3 – Prepare to launch the program

• Finalize the process then instruct permit counter and department staff on all steps and materials.
• Market your program. Develop educational materials and a public information strategy to inform homeowners about the benefits of pre-approved plans, what designs are available, how to utilize them, and any available incentives. Include attractive images and descriptive details about the design that homeowners will want to know. Be specific about the extent a base design may be customized or altered and still considered pre-approved.