About this resource: This content is available for you to use in publicly marketing your pre-approved plans. Edit and remove text as needed to be relevant for your program.
Thinking about an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)?
Start with a Pre-Approved ADU Design
- Look for inspiration
- Find a design you want to use and check what you can do on your property
- Move forward with a design to complete site planning and get permits
[Jurisdiction] provides pre-approved designs to save you time and money as you add an ADU to your property. All designs have been fully vetted for building code compliance, putting you on the fast track to building an ADU.
See our pre-approved designs at [enter URL or location here].
Important notes:
- Even pre-approved plans still require review based on your property – including where it sits on your lot, emergency access, foundation plans, and more.
- Not all pre-approved plans work on all properties. Some will not be possible because of the space available on your lot or whether your property is in a special area like a Historic District or High Fire Hazard Area [customize special designations as relevant].
Questions about your ADU project and using these designs? [Add preferred contact information.]
Frequently Asked Questions
[Add and edit questions as relevant to your program. Here are suggestions for questions to respond to in your program outreach.]
- What is a pre-approved plan? A plan that has been pre-reviewed by [Jurisdiction’s] Building Department for compliance with building code and other regulations. Choosing one of these plans brings you further in the process than a fully custom design, but still requires site planning and some applications before you can get a permit.
- What do I do after I pick a design? [Add instructions here]
- How much does it cost to use one of these plans? [Add details here]
- Can I customize these plans? Not much, no. There are minimal options for customization but you cannot impact anything that has already been reviewed for building code (such as increasing the size or changing the layout) or you will need to go through building code review again.
- Who do I need to hire to help me get a permit for a pre-approved design? [Add details here – in some cases, the original designer may help homeowners complete site planning and permitting. In others, they will need to find another architect/professional to help complete the process.]
- I have a unique property or live in a special zone – can I use these plans? Possibly! Pre-approved designs include things like structural, roof and floor plans, and not foundation or other site-specific elements, so it depends on local rules and your property. [Add notes about any prominent special areas or zones in your community – including Historic Districts, hazard zones, and others.]