Permit Ready Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Plans
The City is excited to announce three (3) Permit Ready ADU Plan Sets, which are ready for building permit plan check and free of charge!
The plans incorporate designs for detached ADUs based on the architectural features and style of your existing home (Craftsman, Mediterranean, Suburban Ranch), which range from 560 to 708 square feet and include a 1 bedroom/1 bathroom design.
The City will provide floor plans, elevations, electrical and plumbing plans, structural calculations, and preliminary energy calculations that have been reviewed for compliance with all required building codes to homeowners that are interested in building an ADU. The homeowner is responsible for completing the submittal requirements in the ADU Submittal Checklist, including preparing a site plan.
- Site Plan
Download the Site Plan Template and create a site plan using the selected ADU plan dimensions and size, showing the proposed ADU location. Fill in all items listed under “Site Plan Checklist”. Although not required, working with a designer or architect to create your site plan is recommended.
- Cover and Title Sheet
Download the desired plan set and make sure to fill in all response areas on the cover sheet. Be sure to complete the areas for the proposed exterior material selection.
- Submit the Accessory Dwelling Unit Application Form, including the Address Assignment Form (Address Assignment Fee applies). The City’s Planning Division will issue an address for the newly created ADU.
- Pay Permit Fees and Clear Conditions
Once the application is processed and approved, a permit technician will provide a list of required permit fees and conditions to clear. Fees and conditions to clear may include but are not limited to the following:
- School fees are based on the valuation of the project. We recommend contacting your applicable school district (Acalanes, Lafayette, Walnut Creek, Mount Diablo, or San Ramon Valley) to confirm what fees may apply.
- Fire District and Sanitary Approval
- Permit Issuance
After the conditions are cleared and the permit fees are paid, the permit will be issued. Construction can begin once the permit is issued.
2022 California Code Cycle - December 31, 2025 Deadline
California's 2022 Title 24: Energy Efficiency, Building Code, and Accessibility Cycle is valid through December 31, 2025. The City Permit Ready ADU Plans are valid through December 31, 2025 if an Applicant submits a building permit plan check to the City by December 31, 2025. Updated City Permit Ready ADU Plans for the new California Code Cycle will be prepared and become available at a later date in 2026.
Review Process
In addition, Zoning Clearance is required through the Planning Department, which is the procedure used by the City to verify that a proposed structure or land use complies with the allowed list of activities allowed in the applicable zone, and the development and performance standards applicable to the use.
Three easy steps to building your ADU:
1. Obtain permit-ready plans through the Building Department
2. Receive Zoning Clearance through the Planning Department
3. Submit your plans to the Building Department