Pre-Approved ADU Plans

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Pre-Approved ADUs

The pre-approved ADU Plans Program will make plans for different ADU types, styles and sizes available to the public. Under this program, plans are designed by ADU builders, private licensed architects/engineers, and designers to accommodate various site conditions. Plans are then reviewed and pre-approved by City of Santa Clara - Building Division for compliance with the Building, Residential, Green, Energy and Reach Codes. When the applicant selects an approved Standard Plan, City staff will review site-specific factors for your property, including compliance with the Zoning Code and solar requirements. The use of pre-approved plans reduces the time required for plan check resulting in faster permit issuance.

This webpage lists the ADU builders and/or design professionals who have secured preapproved plans. There is still a need to submit a site-specific plan that shows the location of the preapproved ADU, which is something the ADU builder/contractor usually handles.

Vendors - How To Apply For Pre-Approved Plans

1. Prepare plans

Create ADU plans that are not site-specific and include architectural plans, electrical and structural drawings and calculations. Follow the instructions and requirements outlined in Pre-Approved ADU Plans Program:

IMPORTANT: You will need to update and resubmit your plans when the City adopts new building codes, building policies, or zoning changes that apply to the plans.

2. Submit plans and pay fees.

Submit for permits, check status, and pay fees via the Permitting Online Portal

See the Permitting Online Portal User Guide for instructions.

To schedule an appointment for Building, Planning and Public Works staff to answer general questions or assist with submitting applications related to development.
Submit an application through the Permitting Online Portal. For application submittals, appointments provide an additional service for those having questions through the submittal process.

3. Plan review time: The plan review approximate time frames are 4 weeks for the first submittal and 2 weeks for subsequent submittals. These time frames are based on submitting complete and accurate plans.

4. Fees: At the Permit Center webpage, find fee information and view the Building Fee Schedule.

5. Get a listing on this webpage

Upon approval of the plans, your business name, contact, information, and brief description of the size/type of approved ADU plan will be listed on this webpage.

Pre-Approved ADU List

Homeowners - How To Get A Pre-Approved ADU

I want to use preapproved ADU plans. How do I proceed?

Homeowners select a pre-approved ADU plan listed below and then work directly with vendors to purchase and submit the plans for City review and permitting. You may wish to contact several vendors and learn about their options, pricing, and installation approach. Be sure to confirm the vendor's role in submitting the plans and securing the building permit. It is highly advised that you have the vendor or contractor pull the permits. This keeps the liability for the work with the professional service.

Do I need an architect if I use a pre-approved plan?

While you are not required to have an architect design & stamp your ADU plans, you will need to have a designer produce the site plan, Title 24 calculations, and Solar PV plans (if required).

What are the requirements to use the pre-approved ADU plans?

To use preapproved plans, the project must at least meet all of the following criteria:

Lot must be zoned residential and have an existing single-family home or duplex.
Lot must NOT be in a flood zone.
The project must NOT be in a historic property.

Please fill out the Pre-Approved ADU checklist to see if your property is qualified for using pre-approved ADU plans program.

What is the review time for a building permit using the pre-approved ADU plans?

If the site-specific plan and related documents are accurate and complete, plan review will be done within two weeks.

Can I make changes to the preapproved plans?

Room for customization is limited with a pre-approved plan. You can change windows and door types, sizes and colors, and also rotate floor plans. Minimal changes will allow you to maintain the pre-approved status, but larger changes to the floor plan are usually not permitted. Making changes to a pre-approved plan may disqualify it as a Pre-approved ADU and expedited review cannot be provided.

Site-Specific Project Submittal

Pre-approved construction plans and a site-specific plan must be submitted as part of an ADU permit application. Read and complete the Pre-Approved ADU Checklist to identify if the project or site is qualified for using pre-approved ADU plans, and to make sure the project concept complies with the City's zoning codes. As stated above, the lot must not be in a flood zone or in a historic property.

For projects with no changes to the pre-approved plans: For projects adhering to the preapproved plan without any changes, prepare a complete and accurate pre-approved ADU Site-Specific Submittal Package in accordance with Pre-Approved ADU Plans Program and submit for permits, and pay fees via the Permitting Online Portal

For projects with changes to the pre-approved plans: Making changes to a preapproved plan will disqualify it as a Preapproved ADU and expedited review cannot be provided.

Note: The plan review manager has discretion to direct that the plans be submitted for regular plan review service if changes exceed what the City considers as minor.

Last Updated:

08-26-2024