Pre-approved plans for an accessory dwelling unit
Pre-approved plans speed up the approval process. There are 2 types:
- designed by the City
- designed by third-party professional
If you use a plan designed by the City:
- ADU permit fees are free
- It needs to be affordable for people with very low incomes if you rent it out
If you use a plan designed by a third-party professional, you still need to pay the permit fees but the approval time is faster.
How to use a pre-approved plan
Select the plan you want to use. If it’s designed by a third-party professional, you’ll need to contract with them for your project.
Pre-approved plans are only architectural designs. Depending on the project, you may need to prepare site-specific plans, studies, and engineering. When you’re ready, get permits.
Designed by the City
Detached Studio
- 500 square feet
- Design: Tudor, Craftsman, or Spanish
- Kitchen
- Full bath
- Combined living and sleeping area
- Washer/dryer
Detached 1-bedroom
- 800 square feet
- Design: Tudor, Craftsman, or Spanish
- Kitchen and dining area
- Full bath
- Bedroom
- Living room
- Washer/dryer
Garage conversion
- 484 square feet
- Kitchen
- Full bath
- Combined living and sleeping area
- Washer/dryer
Rent restrictions
If you use a pre-approved plan designed by the City, you need to agree to affordable rent restrictions for your ADU. This means that if you rent your ADU, the rental price must be affordable to very low income households.
Learn about renting your ADU and rent restrictions.
Developed by third-party professional
If you use a pre-approved plan submitted by a specific design professional, you are required to contract with them.
Submit your plans for pre-approval
If you are a design professional, you can submit your ADU plans for pre-approval. If approved, the design will be added here as a pre-approved option for Piedmont. You retain copyright to the design, so homeowners who want to use the design must contract with you.
Submit your plans